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Unofficial Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unofficial

[ˌʌnəˈfɪʃəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

government

Not authorized or recognized by a government or other official authority.

Synonyms

informal, unapproved, unauthorized.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unofficial

Use 'unofficial' when referring to something not formally acknowledged or authorized by a recognized authority. It can be used in various contexts like work, events, or announcements.

  • He attended the meeting in an unofficial capacity.
  • We had an unofficial gathering after the conference.
unauthorized

Use 'unauthorized' to describe actions or access that occur without official permission. It often carries a negative connotation, implying potential legal or disciplinary consequences.

  • Unauthorized personnel are not allowed beyond this point.
  • There was an unauthorized attempt to access the system.
unapproved

Use 'unapproved' when something has not been officially approved or sanctioned by an authoritative body or individual. It is often used in contexts like projects, actions, or documents and can imply potential problems or risks.

  • The proposal was unapproved by the committee.
  • They went ahead with the unapproved construction plans.
informal

Use 'informal' when describing something casual, relaxed, or not following formal procedures or protocols. This word is often used to describe meetings, language, or dress codes.

  • The company has an informal dress code on Fridays.
  • We had an informal discussion over lunch.

Examples of usage

  • Many unofficial websites provide information about the company.
  • The unofficial ceasefire was agreed upon by both sides.
  • The group held an unofficial meeting to discuss their concerns.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Law

  • In legal terms, an unofficial statement may lack the weight of an official document but can still impact public perception.
  • Unofficial agreements can sometimes lead to disputes, as they may not hold up in court like their official counterparts.
  • Governments often issue unofficial notices that provide important information without formal recognition, especially in times of crisis.

Pop Culture

  • Unofficial fan clubs can sometimes gain significant followings, celebrating their favorite shows or characters without formal backing.
  • Many unofficial merchandise items are sold online, allowing fans to support their interests creatively, even if they're not licensed.
  • Social media has fostered a space for unofficial news, where rumors circulate rapidly, impacting how people perceive current events.

Education

  • In academic settings, unofficial transcripts can provide insights into a student's performance but lack the authenticity of official records.
  • Teachers sometimes share unofficial resources and strategies among themselves to enhance learning experiences in classrooms.
  • Unofficial study groups can significantly enhance understanding and retention of material outside formal classroom environments.

Social Dynamics

  • Groups or events that are unofficial often create a more relaxed atmosphere, allowing for open discussions free from formal constraints.
  • Unofficial networks, such as informal mentoring relationships, can provide valuable support for professional growth and personal development.
  • The term 'unofficial' often denotes a sense of community, where individuals connect based on shared interests rather than formal affiliations.

Origin of 'unofficial'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Unofficial' is formed by adding the prefix 'un-' (meaning 'not') to the word 'official', which comes from the Latin 'officialis'.
  • The use of 'un' can often turn a word into its opposite, illustrating how language adapts over time.
  • The word started appearing in English texts around the 19th century, reflecting a growing need to describe things that weren't formally acknowledged.

The word 'unofficial' originated in the mid-18th century, derived from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'official'. It is commonly used to describe something that is not formally recognized or approved by an official authority. Over time, 'unofficial' has become a popular term in various contexts, especially in politics, business, and informal settings.

See also: official, officialdom, officialization, officially, officials, unofficially.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,459, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.