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 some cases, women are reportedly able to secure cash handouts through unofficial means. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024 With Schefter playing the role of unofficial booker, Pearlman lined up three NFL teams for that summer: the Ravens, the Seahawks and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Justin Birnbaum, Forbes, 25 Dec. 2024 Each decade has its own indelible character; at the beginning of a new one journalists hold an unofficial contest to try to be the first to characterize, and more importantly name, the latest developments in our culture. Jim Greer, SPIN, 24 Dec. 2024 The bald eagle is now officially the national bird of the U.S. after President Biden signed into law legislation amending a code to formally recognize the previously unofficial American emblem. Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 24 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near unofficial

Cite this Entry

“Unofficial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unofficial. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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