To render something not officially sanctioned, recognized, or endorsed; to remove official status or approval. This action implies a deliberate process of distancing, delegitimizing, or removing the authority or formal backing previously associated with a person, document, event, or system. It suggests a shift from a structured, validated state to a less formally recognized or accepted status, often accompanied by consequences such as loss of funding, access, or influence. This can be applied in a variety of contexts, from politics and business to personal relationships and artistic endeavors. Essentially, it takes something official and makes it unofficial.
Unofficialized meaning with examples
- The government, facing mounting public pressure, decided to *unofficialize* the controversial report on military spending. While it could still be accessed, removing its official stamp diminished its weight and signaled a shift in policy. The move aimed to distance the administration from its contentious findings, effectively burying the story in public discourse, and avoid any further fallout from the press.
- After discovering internal manipulation and evidence of fraud, the board voted to *unofficialize* the audit conducted by the firm. Their findings, though initially presented as official, were no longer to be used as any basis of discussion. This decision served to invalidate the previous financial data and prompted a full, independent reassessment of the company's finances. Further action on the firm was implied.
- Due to its controversial and unproven scientific claims, the scientific community moved to *unofficialize* the research paper. Despite its publication in a widely respected journal, its findings were publicly questioned. The subsequent debate led to a call for additional peer reviews, distancing the journal and the authors' findings. Ultimately, the information within became viewed as unsubstantiated and irrelevant.
- Following his public denouncement of the company's ethics, the board moved to *unofficialize* the former CEO's role, stripping him of all official recognition within the company. Despite his past contributions, his new views and previous stance regarding the ethical breaches resulted in his removal from the company directory, website, and archives, and a final separation from the board.