Unlicensed
/ʌnˈlaɪ.sənst/
Definitions
Without an official permit or authorization; not legally permitted.
/ʌnˈlaɪ.sənst/
Not having a valid license or permission.
The police impounded the unlicensed taxi.
💡 Simply: Imagine you want to sell lemonade, but you don't have a permit from the city. That lemonade stand would be unlicensed, meaning you're not allowed to sell it legally.
👶 For kids: Not allowed to do something because you don't have the official paper.
More Examples
He was charged with possessing an unlicensed firearm.
The company faced a lawsuit for using unlicensed images in its advertising campaign.
How It's Used
"Operating an unlicensed business can result in heavy fines."
"The software was found to be using unlicensed code."
"He was caught driving an unlicensed vehicle."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From 'un-' (not) + 'licensed' (having a license). 'License' originates from Latin 'licentia' meaning 'freedom, permission'.
The term has been used since at least the late 18th century, reflecting the importance of legal permissions and regulations.
Memory tip
Think of a lock (license) – unlicensed is without the key.
Word Origin
"freedom, permission"