without authorization

USAGE SUMMARY

"without authorization" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something has been done without the necessary approval or permission. For example, "I cannot access the file without authorization from my supervisor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There remains some vagueness in what "without authorization" means.

TechCrunch

How do you know the website operator deems you to be "without authorization"?

TechCrunch

intentionally accesses a computer without authorization or exceeds authorized access, and thereby obtains..

The Washington Post

Authorities also recovered an additional $1.8 million he transferred without authorization.

The New York Times

Overall, authorities detained 60,782 migrants attempting to enter the United States without authorization.

The Washington Post

9 35:09 Plane climbs without authorization.

The New York Times

Without authorization, such insurers will not pay for specialty care.

The New York Times

His poor body flopped around without authorization from headquarters.

The New Yorker

Evidently without authorization, he went to the Republicans in Congress.

The New Yorker

Infringement occurs when they are used without authorization.

The New York Times - Sports

F.B.I. agents are prohibited from removing classified documents from their offices without authorization.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions that violate specific policies or regulations, use "without authorization" to clearly indicate the lack of proper approval. Be specific about whose authorization is needed to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "without authority" when you mean "without authorization". "Authority" refers to the power or right to give orders or make decisions, while "authorization" refers to permission to perform a specific action. Using the wrong word can change the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without authorization" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate that an action was performed without the necessary permission or approval. Ludwig shows this through various examples where it describes actions related to accessing data, making transactions, or entering areas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

TechCrunch

3%

Huffington Post

1%

Forbes

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without authorization" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability, especially in conveying that an action was performed without proper permission. As shown by Ludwig, it is most commonly found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to differentiate between "authorization" and "authority" to avoid confusion. Alternatives like ""without permission"" or "without consent" offer similar meanings, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without permission

This phrase is a direct synonym, offering a slightly more explicit and common alternative.

without consent

This alternative emphasizes the lack of agreement or approval, often used in legal or ethical contexts.

unauthorizedly

This adverb directly conveys the action of doing something without permission.

illegally

This implies that the action is not just without authorization but also against the law.

against regulations

This phrase specifies that the action violates established rules or guidelines.

in violation of the rules

This is a more formal way of saying "against regulations".

surreptitiously

This adverb suggests doing something secretly because it is not allowed.

on the sly

This is an informal way of saying "secretly" or "covertly".

off the books

This idiom refers to actions or transactions not officially recorded or sanctioned.

under the table

This idiom describes activities done secretly and often illicitly.

FAQs

How can I use "without authorization" in a sentence?

You can use "without authorization" to describe actions taken without proper permission, such as "Accessing the database "without authorization" is a serious security breach".

What's a formal alternative to "without authorization"?

A more formal alternative is "without official approval", which is suitable for legal or professional documents.

Is "without authorization" the same as "unauthorized"?

While similar, "without authorization" is a prepositional phrase describing the manner in which something was done. "Unauthorized" is an adjective describing the thing itself, like "unauthorized access".

What are some common actions that require authorization?

Common actions needing authorization include accessing sensitive data, making financial transactions, and entering restricted areas. Performing these "without permission" can lead to serious consequences.