Meaning & Definition of word "Unofficial"

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    Unofficial

    /ˌʌnəˈfɪʃəl/

    adjective:

    • 1. Not officially recognized or authorized.
      • Example: The group held an unofficial meeting to discuss plans for the upcoming event.
    • 2. Not deriving from, sanctioned by, or in accordance with official authority.
      • Example: He was appointed to an unofficial role within the organization to help with the project.
    • 3. Informal or casual, as opposed to formal or official.
      • Example: They created an unofficial website to share information about the community initiatives.

    Etymology

    Combination of 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'official' from Middle French 'officiel'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    unofficial records:

    Records not recognized by the formal authority.

    unofficial trip:

    A trip taken without formal approval or arrangement.

    unofficial spokesperson:

    A person speaking on behalf of a group without formal consent.

    Related Words

    official:

    Recognized as being authorized or sanctioned by an authority.

    authoritative:

    Able to be trusted as being accurate or true; reliable.

    Slang Meanings of unofficial

    Meaning: Not legit

    Example Sentence: That event was just an unofficial party, not a real concert.

    Meaning: Word of mouth

    Example Sentence: I heard it from an unofficial source, so take it with a grain of salt.