Unauthorized
/ˌʌn.ɔːˈθɔːr.aɪzd/
Meaning & Definition
adjective
Not having official permission or approval.
The security system flagged the unauthorized access attempt.
Carried out or done without permission or authorization.
He was reprimanded for unauthorized use of the company vehicle.
Illegitimate or improper due to lack of authorization.
The unauthorized publication of the report led to a lawsuit.
Etymology
The prefix 'un-' means not + 'authorized' from 'authorize', which comes from the Latin 'auctorizare'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
unauthorized access
Gaining entry to a system or place without permission.
unauthorized use
Using something without explicit granted permission.
Related Words
authorize
To give official permission.
permission
Consent or authorization to do something.
credential
A qualification or aspect of a person's background.
Slang Meanings
Going rogue
He was going rogue by working on that project without authorization.
On the down-low
She was on the down-low about her unauthorized plans for the event.