unauthorized

adjective

Sayun-AW-thuh-ryzdUS/ʌnˈɔθəˌɹaɪzd/UK/ʌnˈɔːθəɹaɪzd/

UK spellingunauthorised

2 meanings of unauthorized

1
done without permissionadjective
Done, made, or used without official permission.
The company fired two employees for unauthorized access to customer records.
Hikers who camp in an unauthorized spot can be fined by park rangers.
Similarunsanctioned, unofficial, illicit, illegal, unapproved
Oppositeauthorized, approved, permitted
2
no right (people)adjective
Without any authority; having no power or right to act.
The statement came from an unauthorized spokesman who had no right to speak for the party.
Only crew with clearance may board; unauthorized personnel will be escorted off the ship.
Similarunofficial
Oppositeauthorized, official

Practice

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Origin

From un- + authorized.