Definition

Not having permission or approval to do something.

Example

He accessed the system with unauthorized credentials.

Conversation

Did you hear about the unauthorized party last weekend?

Yeah, I heard it got shut down pretty quickly!

I can't believe they thought it was a good idea to have an unauthorized event.

Right? It’s always risky to do something like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unauthorized → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "authorized" (from Latin "auctorizare", meaning to give authority). The word "unauthorized" means not having permission or authority to do something.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') having 'authority' — that's why unauthorized means lacking permission.

Visually Confused Words