Unauthorized

The adjective 'unauthorized' describes something done or existing without official permission or approval. It signifies a lack of legal or permitted sanction. This can apply to actions, access, use of resources, or even information. Being unauthorized implies a violation of rules, regulations, or established protocols. Consequences of unauthorized activities can range from warnings and reprimands to legal penalties. It's a critical term in contexts demanding strict adherence to authority, security protocols, or contractual agreements, where permission is a prerequisite for legitimate operation. The unauthorized act circumvents the established order, potentially leading to disruption, security breaches, or legal ramifications.

Unauthorized meaning with examples

• The IT department immediately blocked the unauthorized access to the company server. They detected a suspicious login attempt using credentials that didn't belong to any employee. The team investigated the incident, aiming to identify the source of the breach and prevent any data leakage. Security protocols require strict authentication, and any circumventing of this protocol is a high-priority breach.
• The museum displayed signs explicitly prohibiting unauthorized photography. Despite the warnings, several tourists were caught taking flash pictures near sensitive artifacts. The staff intervened and asked them to delete the unauthorized photographs, explaining that the light could damage the fragile artwork. The policy aimed to protect these priceless artifacts.
• The contractor was penalized for their unauthorized use of materials. They deviated from the original project plans without informing their superiors. The unauthorized alteration violated the terms of their agreement, leading to cost overruns and delayed project completion. The incident resulted in a review of all future work.
• News sources reported that the government was conducting an unauthorized surveillance operation. The clandestine activities raised significant ethical questions about the balance between national security and individual privacy rights. Civil rights groups protested, and launched investigations into the scope and extent of the program.
• The vendor's unauthorized sale of counterfeit merchandise hurt the reputation of the brand. The unauthorized products did not undergo quality control. These items directly affected the company's profits and damaged consumer trust. Legal actions were quickly initiated to stop these activities.