undocumented

/ˈʌnˌdɑkjəˈmɛntəd/

/ənˈdɒkjumɛntɪd/

When something is undocumented, it's not written down or recorded. When a person is undocumented. they don't have the proper records or identification that the law requires.

These days in the U.S., you're very likely to come across this word in the context of immigration. When you hear about someone who's an undocumented worker or an undocumented immigrant, it means that they were born in another country, moved to the U.S. at some point, and don't currently have the legal documentation they need to work, attend school, or otherwise live freely and openly.

Definitions of undocumented

1. adjective

   lacking necessary documents (as for e.g. permission to live or work in a country)
   “undocumented aliens”

   “undocumented tax deductions”

   synonyms:

   unregistered

   (a boat or vessel) not furnished with official documents

   antonyms:

   documented

   furnished with or supported by documents

   referenced

   supported with written references or citations

   registered

   (of a boat or vessel) furnished with necessary official documents specifying ownership etc