adjective
unofficial
uhn-uh-FIHSH-uhl
adjective
1
Not formally recognized or authorized.
"The results were still unofficial pending a final recount."
"They held an unofficial vote among themselves before the real meeting."
2
Not acting with any real authority.
"He became the team's unofficial spokesperson simply because he talked to reporters the most."
How to Use Unofficial
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot made formal or official, even if it's widely accepted or true.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
unofficial results
unofficial spokesperson
unofficial estimate
Word Forms
more unofficial comparative, most unofficial superlative
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The results were still _____ pending a final recount.
Etymology
From un- + official.