unsanctioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "unsanctioned" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe an action, event, or situation that is not officially approved of or authorized. For example, "The teachers held an unsanctioned meeting to discuss the budget cuts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To comply with the law the three firms must hand over data on Russian bloggers with more than 3,000 readers per day and take down websites that Roskomnadzor saw as containing calls for "unsanctioned protests and unrest", Ampelonsky said.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 8.39pm BST20:39 An email from David Wall: "Well, ITV have hit on their theme for the evening," he says, in relation to something I missed while on an unofficial Fifa unsanctioned water-break.

The Guardian - Sport

In response, both clerics were automatically ejected from the church, but this has not stopped the group's drive to build an unsanctioned clergy.

The Guardian

If the companies did not take steps to delete from their sites "information containing calls to participate in mass rioting, extremist activities" or unsanctioned public events, the watchdog would "limit access to the information resource where that information is posted", Ksenzov warned.

The Guardian

"What I've seen today for the first time is unacceptable," he said, adding that the closures were "completely inappropriate and unsanctioned".All the same, the news grates against his image as a man who is abrasive, sure, but on behalf of the little guy.

The Economist

With many more coups and killings left unsanctioned, membership is as likely to dignify rights-abusers as to correct them.What, then, is the point of the Commonwealth?

The Economist

His preferred plan would cut troop levels by a third and halt conscription, a suggestion that makes many in his own party uneasy.Lev Ponomaryov, a leading dissident in Russia, was jailed for three days following his participation in an unsanctioned rally in Moscow.

The Economist

Those who fall outside this category for example, by staging an unsanctioned protest in front of the Lubyanka face increasing pressure.In the past week alone Mr Navalny, who has already been charged in connection with a separate fraud case, has faced two new criminal investigations.

The Economist

Vsevolod Chaplin, a spokesman for the church, said that Pussy Riot's unsanctioned performance in the cathedral is "a sin that will be punished in this life and the next".

The Economist

There is only a handful of official nudist beaches, but plenty of unsanctioned ones where British naturists have traditionally liked to congregate.

The Economist

Saudi Arabia has complained to Washington for months that an unsanctioned Iran could be more emboldened to meddle in the region.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unsanctioned", ensure the context clearly indicates which authority or body has not given approval. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "unsanctioned" when you mean "unethical". "Unsanctioned" refers to a lack of official approval, while "unethical" describes actions that violate moral principles. An activity can be unsanctioned but not unethical, and vice versa.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "unsanctioned" primarily functions to modify nouns, indicating that something lacks official approval or authorization. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing events like "unsanctioned protests" or actions like "unsanctioned dealings". According to Ludwig AI, it correctly describes actions, events or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "unsanctioned" effectively conveys a lack of official approval or authorization. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, particularly in describing events or actions not officially endorsed. Its prevalence in news and media, as demonstrated by Ludwig, underscores its importance in reporting on activities that deviate from established norms or regulations. While "unsanctioned" is often used neutrally to indicate a lack of approval, it can also imply disapproval depending on the context. Therefore, choosing the word wisely and being cautious in how the term could be received is important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unauthorized

Indicates a lack of official authorization, similar to "unsanctioned" but focuses more on permission.

unapproved

Implies a lack of endorsement or agreement, similar to "unsanctioned" but emphasizes the absence of explicit approval.

unofficial

Suggests not being formally recognized or endorsed, akin to "unsanctioned" but with a broader scope.

unendorsed

Indicates a lack of official support or backing, similar to "unsanctioned" but focusing on the absence of endorsement.

prohibited

Implies a formal ban or restriction, similar to "unsanctioned" in denoting a lack of allowance.

forbidden

Suggests something not allowed, similar to "unsanctioned" but carries a stronger connotation of being actively prevented.

illicit

Implies disapproval or illegality, similar to "unsanctioned" but often used for activities considered immoral or socially unacceptable.

illegal

Indicates a violation of the law, a stronger term than "unsanctioned" which might not always involve legal breaches.

unlawful

Means not conforming to the law, similar to "unsanctioned" but specifically related to legal matters.

irregular

Suggests a deviation from the norm or standard, similar to "unsanctioned" when referring to procedures or actions.

FAQs

How can I use "unsanctioned" in a sentence?

You can use "unsanctioned" to describe activities or events that lack official approval. For example, "The workers held an "unsanctioned strike" to protest the new policies."

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

"Unsanctioned" and "unauthorized" are similar, but "unsanctioned" often implies a violation of rules or norms, while "unauthorized" simply means lacking permission. "Unsanctioned" can carry a slightly more negative connotation.

Which is correct, "unsanctioned activity" or "non-sanctioned activity"?

Both "unsanctioned activity" and "non-sanctioned activity" are grammatically correct, but "unsanctioned activity" is the more common and natural-sounding choice.

What are some alternatives to using the word "unsanctioned"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "unapproved", "unauthorized", or "unofficial" instead of "unsanctioned".