What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unauthorized
Example
The employee was fired for accessing unauthorized files. [unauthorized: adjective]
Example
She wrote an unauthorized biography of the celebrity without their permission. [unauthorized: adjective]
illegal
Example
It is illegal to drive without a license. [illegal: adjective]
Example
He was arrested for selling illegal drugs. [illegal: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Illegal is more commonly used than unauthorized in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and has a stronger connotation. Unauthorized is more specific and is typically used in professional or organizational settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unauthorized and illegal?
Illegal is generally considered more formal than unauthorized, as it is associated with legal or criminal contexts. Unauthorized is more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
