UNOFFICIAL

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does unofficial mean? 

• UNOFFICIAL (adjective)
  The adjective UNOFFICIAL has 2 senses:

1. not having official authority or sanction

2. not officially established

  Familiarity information: UNOFFICIAL used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• UNOFFICIAL (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Not having official authority or sanction

Context example:

he participated in an unofficial capacity

Similar:

drumhead; summary (performed speedily and without formality)

informal; loose (not officially recognized or controlled)

unauthorised; unauthorized; wildcat (without official authorization)

unsanctioned (without explicit official permission)

Also:

unauthorised; unauthorized (not endowed with authority)

Antonym:

official (having official authority or sanction)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Not officially established

Context example:

the early election returns are unofficial

Similar:

unconfirmed (not finally established or settled)

 Context examples 

I think you want a little unofficial help.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

That is the advantage of being unofficial.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

It was an old acquaintance, Inspector Morton, of Scotland Yard, dressed in unofficial tweeds.

(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

“Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is strange and bizarre. But here”—I picked up the morning paper from the ground—“let us put it to a practical test.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

You must look at it this way: what I know is unofficial, what he knows is official.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)