unofficial

adjective

un·​of·​fi·​cial ˌən-ə-ˈfi-shəl How to pronounce unofficial (audio)
also -ō-
Synonyms of unofficialnext
: 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.
He was later arrested and charged along with dozens of others for taking part in unofficial primaries held to screen candidates for Legislative Council elections. — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026 Carson, 32, who won Season 34 with Robert Irwin last year, is also pregnant, making her duo with Rodriguez, 55, an unofficial trio. — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 Donna Kelce is the matriarch of the sport’s unofficial First Family. — Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026 Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer and, for many, a return to work. — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 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

Rhymes for unofficial

See All Rhymes for unofficial

Browse Nearby Words

unofficered
unofficial
unofficinal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unofficial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unofficial. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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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

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