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

Augustin Lorenzo Telly, a 26-year Stockton police veteran, was booked into San Joaquin County Jail on charges including the unlicensed sale of a firearm, conspiracy and an open charge of soliciting specified criminal acts. —Darrell Smith, Sacramento Bee, 22 Jan. 2025

Police said 1,576 unlicensed miners had emerged from the mine by their own means before the rescue operation began. —Reuters, NBC News, 15 Jan. 2025

Dear Eric: My husband and I live next door to a family that, when having work done at their house, tends to use low-wage, unlicensed workers. —Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2025

The musician allegedly gave two unlicensed guns to Williams and another man to hold for him, according to court records, per the BBC. —Rachel Desantis, People.com, 30 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

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)