unlicensed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unlicensed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that does not have the necessary license or authorization to operate or perform a specific activity. Example: "The unlicensed driver was pulled over by the police for not having a valid driver's license."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There's the same number of unlicensed gangmasters as there is licensed, in the food-processing industry, for instance.

The Guardian - Opinion

All countries should make available a cheap, unlicensed drug to prevent blindness in older people – one in preference to the expensive licensed version promoted by pharmaceutical companies, a World Health Organisation committee has ruled.

The Guardian

There may be some unlicensed businesses operating in the UK, but not that kind of volume – anything approaching those figures would definitely register on our radar.

The Guardian - Opinion

I take great exception to this statement, as we rely on reports from workers, companies and members of the public about unlicensed or criminal activity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unlike Talking Funny, The Green Room has a studio audience, which slightly ruins the illusion of an unlicensed eavesdrop on stand-ups talking shop.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The alleged gang ringleader, Rosemere Aparecida Ferreira, reportedly admitted to police that Jandyra had paid R$4,500 (£1,100) for the termination carried out by an unlicensed doctor, Carlos Augusto Graça de Oliveira, but said she had not been there at the time.

The Guardian

Anime studios are cottoning on; the video upload and streaming site Crunchyroll now has contracts to legally stream shows, though this has meant cutting out unlicensed uploads.

The Guardian

Pai quotes an "industry source" who says: "There's the same number of unlicensed gangmasters as there is licensed, in the food-processing industry, for instance".

The Guardian - Opinion

Alleged offences include including banditry and possession of unlicensed firearms.

The Guardian

The DAP recently threatened to quit a PAS-led state government after it demolished an unlicensed pig abattoir.

The Economist

Unlicensed flights will be uncharted, the craft unidentified and their operators uninsured.Horses for coursesThe right way to balance safety and innovation is to create a set of rules for commercial drones that depend on their size, use and so on.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unlicensed", ensure the context clearly indicates which specific license or authorization is lacking. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "unlicensed" as a blanket term for all illegal activities. Be specific about the activity that requires a license and is being performed without one. This enhances precision and avoids misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "unlicensed" primarily functions to modify nouns, indicating that the noun lacks the required license or official authorization. As Ludwig confirms, it is usable in written English. For example, "unlicensed taxis" or "unlicensed breeders".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "unlicensed" is a commonly used adjective denoting the absence of a required license or official authorization. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used, especially in news and business contexts. Key alternatives include "unauthorized", "unaccredited", and "illegal", each carrying slightly different nuances. A best practice involves clearly specifying the type of license that is lacking to avoid ambiguity. In summary, "unlicensed" effectively communicates a lack of proper authorization but should be used with precision to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unauthorized

Focuses on the lack of authorization or permission.

unapproved

Similar to unauthorized, stressing the absence of formal approval.

unsanctioned

Highlights the lack of official approval or permission.

unaccredited

Emphasizes the lack of official recognition or certification.

unregistered

Focuses on the absence of registration with an official body.

unendorsed

Highlights the absence of approval or support.

illegal

Indicates a violation of the law.

illicit

Implies disapproval or illegality, often in a secretive manner.

prohibited

Suggests a formal ban or restriction.

bootleg

Often used to describe illegally produced or distributed goods.

FAQs

How can I use "unlicensed" in a sentence?

You can use "unlicensed" to describe activities, individuals, or entities that lack the necessary legal authorization to operate. For example, "The "unlicensed contractor" was fined for performing work without a permit."

What are some alternatives to "unlicensed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "unauthorized", "unaccredited", or "illegal" to convey the meaning of "unlicensed".

Is it correct to say "unlicensed" or "not licensed"?

Both "unlicensed" and "not licensed" are correct, but "unlicensed" is generally more concise and direct. "Not licensed" might be preferred in situations where you want to emphasize the lack of licensure. For example: "He is "not licensed" to practice medicine in this state."

What's the difference between "unlicensed" and "unauthorized"?

"Unlicensed" specifically refers to the lack of a formal license, while "unauthorized" encompasses a broader lack of permission or authorization, whether or not a license is involved. You would use "unlicensed" when a specific license is required, and "unauthorized" when no permission was given.