unofficial

adjective

un·​of·​fi·​cial ˌən-ə-ˈfi-shəl How to pronounce unofficial (audio)
 also  -ō-
: not authorized or acknowledged by a government, group, class, or society : not official
unofficial results
an unofficial policy
unofficially adverb

Examples of unofficial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In Paris, Ingebrigtsen became the race’s unofficial pacemaker, going out at world-record speed (3:26.00) but tied up and finished fourth. Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025 Chinese officials and others with government ties have also been trying to develop unofficial back channels, through which leaders have historically passed information back and forth while Beijing and Washington negotiate. Ana Swanson, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025 But the unofficial government agency's approach to the task, and its access to government payment systems and personal information, have been met with backlash from some lawmakers, government officials and advocacy groups. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025 Some experts predicted the 6% commission, the unofficial fee for buying or selling a home, would be finished. Samantha Delouya, CNN, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unofficial

Word History

First Known Use

1784, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unofficial was in 1784

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unofficial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unofficial. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

unofficial

adjective
un·​of·​fi·​cial ˌən-ə-ˈfish-əl How to pronounce unofficial (audio)
: not official
specifically : of, relating to, or being a drug not described in the United States Pharmacopeia and National Formulary compare nonofficial, official

More from Merriam-Webster on unofficial

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