What does unofficially mean?
“Unofficially” means in a way that lacks official status, authorization, or recognition. It can describe how information is communicated, as when a report is shared off the record, or how a person acts, as when a committee member advises another informally. The word is especially useful where the distinction between substance and formal status matters: an unofficially agreed decision may guide conduct even though it has not been formally approved, while an unofficially appointed representative may perform many of the duties of an official without holding the title. The term is neutral and generally not disparaging, appearing in professional, journalistic, legal, and everyday contexts in both British and American English. It should not be read as a synonym for false or illegal; unofficially sourced information can be reliable, and an unofficial arrangement can be perfectly lawful. The adverb also serves as a discourse marker in the phrase “unofficially speaking,” where it signals a personal view rather than an institutional position.
adverbIn a manner that lacks official status, authorization, recognition, or formal approval.
- Without official status, authorization, approval, or recognition.
"The proposed changes were discussed unofficially before the committee published its recommendations."
"Local officials confirmed unofficially that negotiations were continuing."
"Unofficially speaking, the proposal appears likely to receive approval."
An unofficial decision can still shape an official day.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unofficially come from?
The adverb combines the negating prefix un- with official and the adverb-forming suffix -ly. Both un- and -ly continue Old English elements, while official entered English from Latin with influence from French, ultimately deriving from officium, meaning “office” or “duty.” Its modern use follows the ordinary English pattern of negating an adjective with un- and then forming an adverb with -ly.
Related word forms
How unofficially is actually used
Neutral to formal in register. It indicates a lack of official status or recognition, not necessarily falsehood, informality in every respect, or illegality.