unlicensed

adjective

un·​li·​censed ˌən-ˈlī-sᵊn(t)st 

: not licensed: such as

a

: not authorized or permitted by a license

unlicensed merchandise

an unlicensed firearm

the unlicensed reproduction of books

b

: operating without a license

unlicensed vendors

an unlicensed electrician

unlicensed brokers

unlicensed drivers

Examples of unlicensed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The state has struggled to control the black market, with as many as 8,000 unlicensed dispensaries in New York City alone, compared to just 140 legal operations. —Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025

The company began when the cryptocurrency entrepreneur Robbie Bent converted his Toronto back yard into an unlicensed communal spa. —Vince Aletti, The New Yorker, 7 Mar. 2025

But even without large busts, Maye said the department’s goal is to keep residents safe and reduce potential risks from uninsured and unlicensed drivers. —Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2025

Among the prohibitions enacted by the California Legislature are those specifically relating to casino-style games (such as roulette, blackjack, and any banking game played with cards or dice), slot machines, and unlicensed games of chance. —Daniel Wallach, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unlicensed

• licenced
• licensed

Medical Definition

unlicensed

adjective

un·​li·​censed

variants or chiefly British unlicenced

-ˈlīs-ᵊn(t)st

: not licensed

especially, of a drug : not approved for use by the appropriate regulating authority (as the Food and Drug Administration in the United States)