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 the years since that race, Gaines has established herself as an unofficial face of conservative attacks on the NCAA, joining a March 2024 lawsuit accusing the association of violating Title IX by allowing trans athletes to compete. Abby Monteil, Them., 28 Oct. 2025 Taking in the years 1956 to 1963, Through the Open Window serves as an unofficial companion to last year’s A Complete Unknown biopic. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 26 Oct. 2025 Believe it or not, many easy costume inspirations can be drawn from celebrities (not everyone goes all out like Hollywood's unofficial Halloween queen, Heidi Klum). Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025 Border officials and airlines often interpret passport damage differently, which makes any unofficial mark a travel risk. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 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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