unlicensed

adjective

un·​li·​censed ˌən-ˈlī-sᵊn(t)st How to pronounce unlicensed (audio)
: 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
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.
Bah has since been charged with reckless endangerment, reckless driving and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, the outlets reported. Latoya Gayle, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025 The same is not true for unlicensed providers, who don’t receive regular inspections and can refuse access to their homes. Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2025 She was charged with manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, assault, reckless driving, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, failure to yield to a red light and speeding, cops said. Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2025 Pennsylvania prosecutors have charged him with forgery, carrying an unlicensed firearm and presenting a false ID to law enforcement, among other charges. Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unlicensed

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unlicensed was in 1577

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Cite this Entry

“Unlicensed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlicensed. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.

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)

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