unauthorized

/ənˈɑθəraɪzd/

/ənˈɔθəraɪzd/

If something is officially not approved, it's unauthorized. An unauthorized biography is written without the consent or cooperation of its subject.

If a person lacks the authority to do something, you can describe them as unauthorized: "Sorry, I'm unauthorized to let you into the secret clubhouse." Otherwise, this adjective means "not permitted." Many unauthorized things are also illegal, like an online company's unauthorized use of personal information. To authorize is to give approval.

Definitions of unauthorized

1. adjective

   without official authorization
   “an unauthorized strike”

   synonyms: unauthorised, wildcat

   unofficial

   not having official authority or sanction
2. adjective

   not endowed with authority
   synonyms: unauthorised

   self-appointed

   designated or chosen by yourself

   unaccredited, unlicenced, unlicensed

   lacking official approval

   illegitimate

   of marriages and offspring; not recognized as lawful

   unofficial

   not having official authority or sanction

   antonyms:

   authorized

   endowed with authority

   accredited, commissioned, licenced, licensed

   given official approval to act

   approved, sanctioned

   established by authority; given authoritative approval

   canonised, canonized, glorified

   accorded sacrosanct or authoritative standing

   empowered, sceptered, sceptred

   invested with legal power or official authority especially as symbolized by having a scepter

   lawful

   conformable to or allowed by law

   legitimate

   of marriages and offspring; recognized as lawful

   official

   having official authority or sanction