unauthorized

UK: ʌnˈɔːθəraɪzd | US: ʌnˈɔːθəraɪzd

Definition
  1. adj. not having official permission or approval

  2. adj. done without legal or proper authority

Structure
un <not>author <originator>ize <verb suffix>ed <past participle>
Etymology

The word "unauthorized" combines the negative prefix "un-" (from Old English "un-," meaning "not") with "author" (from Latin "auctor," meaning "originator" or "creator"), the verb-forming suffix "-ize" (from Greek "-izein"), and the past participle suffix "-ed." The term evolved to describe actions or entities lacking formal approval, reflecting a logical progression from "author" (one who creates or permits) to its negated, passive form.

Examples
  1. The employee accessed unauthorized files and faced disciplinary action.

  2. The biography was published without permission, making it an unauthorized account.

  3. Unauthorized modifications to the software void the warranty.

  4. The protest was deemed unauthorized by city officials.

  5. He was caught using an unauthorized credit card.