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.
Wisconsin’s unofficial state cocktail can now be eaten as a doughnut. Elaine Rewolinski, jsonline.com, 13 Feb. 2026 Three episodes in the series discuss Galentine’s Day, beginning with season 2, episode 16, when the unofficial holiday celebration was first introduced. Jenny Porter Tilley, IndyStar, 13 Feb. 2026 There are already more than 3 million migrants from Myanmar in Thailand (though unofficial figures estimate double this number). Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 11 Feb. 2026 Presidents Day is the unofficial start to warm-weather style sales, meaning now’s your chance to snag open-toed shoes for spring. Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unofficial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unofficial. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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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