Non-authoritative

Lacking the power, right, or recognized ability to give orders, make decisions, or enforce obedience; not possessing official sanction or credibility. This term describes information, sources, or individuals that are not considered to be reliable, definitive, or possessing the established authority to dictate or influence action or belief. The lack of authority can stem from various factors, including lack of expertise, absence of legal power, or a failure to adhere to established protocols and regulations. It often implies a secondary, unofficial, or subjective perspective, and the information might be biased or incomplete. The term signifies the absence of recognized power or influence within a specific context.

Non-authoritative meaning with examples

• The blog post contained highly interesting content, but as the author's background was not in the relevant field, the information was considered non-authoritative. Readers were advised to seek verification from more established sources before making decisions based on the content. It lacked the credentials to provide conclusive guidance despite its compelling narrative, influencing their approach to the topic.
• During the legal proceeding, the witness's statement was deemed non-authoritative because it was based on hearsay and lacked direct knowledge of the events. The jury was instructed to consider it with caution and rely more heavily on evidence from individuals possessing firsthand information to establish a factual understanding of the subject matter.
• When researching the history of a region, using information obtained from a website without cited sources or known historical expertise would be regarded as non-authoritative. Scholars prefer to consult peer-reviewed publications and archives. Relying solely on such unverified sources could lead to an incomplete or inaccurate understanding of the historical events.
• The online forum discussion about medical symptoms was labeled non-authoritative. Because the individuals offering advice were not trained medical professionals, they were not allowed to make a diagnosis or treatment plans, and therefore could provide no official medical advice. It's critical to consult with doctors regarding health-related matters. Such information from non-qualified individuals is dangerous to the patient's health.
• Although the proposal had some merit, it came from a department without the financial authority to commit funds, and was, therefore, considered non-authoritative in terms of budget allocation. The financial committee needed to approve the proposal based on the department's budget. Decisions related to the spending plans were only accepted from authorized departments.