Authorize vs Unauthorize: Which Is Correct?

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Authorize vs unauthorize is a common search because “unauthorize” looks like a natural opposite of “authorize,” the way “unlock” opposes “lock.” English does not work that way here. The opposite idea is expressed with different forms, and this guide shows which one to use and when.

What does authorize mean?

To authorize means to give official permission or approval for something. A manager authorizes a purchase, a bank authorizes a payment, and a parent authorizes a school trip. The word also appears in phrases like authorized user, authorized dealer and authorization code.

Authorize comes from the same root as the word author, a link that survives in the idea of someone with the authority to approve. The noun is authorization, and the adjective form is authorized.

In technology, authorize often describes granting access: you authorize an app to read your contacts or authorize a device to use your account.

What does unauthorized mean?

Unauthorized is an adjective meaning done, used or accessed without official permission. You will see it in phrases like unauthorized access, unauthorized charge, unauthorized copy and unauthorized personnel. It describes something that was never approved in the first place.

Note that unauthorized is not a verb. You can describe an action as unauthorized, but you cannot “unauthorize” someone or something. When you want a verb for taking permission away, use deauthorize, revoke or withdraw authorization.

Is unauthorize a real word?

No, unauthorize is not a standard English word. People often form it by analogy with unlock or unplug, but standard usage prefers other forms. The adjective is unauthorized, and the verb for removing permission is deauthorize. If you are writing formally, use one of those, or choose revoke, withdraw or cancel.

What is the opposite of authorize?

The best opposite depends on the meaning you want. To take back permission that was given, use deauthorize or revoke. To refuse permission, use deny, forbid or prohibit. To describe something done without permission, use the adjective unauthorized.

Deauthorize is common in technology and media apps, where you can deauthorize a computer or device from your account. It is a standard verb, though you will mostly meet it in technical or administrative settings.

Authorize vs unauthorize: what is the difference?

The difference between authorize and unauthorize is that authorize is a real verb, while unauthorize is not a standard word. If you meant the opposite of authorized, the correct word is unauthorized. If you meant to take back permission, the verb you want is deauthorize.

A quick test helps. If you are describing a thing, such as a charge, a user or a copy, use the adjective unauthorized. If you are describing an action of withdrawing permission, use deauthorize or revoke.

It also helps to distinguish unauthorized from deauthorized. Something unauthorized never had permission, while something deauthorized once had it and lost it.

Authorize or authorise: which spelling is right?

Both are correct, depending on region. American English uses authorize, while British English usually uses authorise, though Oxford style keeps the -ize ending. The same pattern applies to authorization and authorisation. Pick one spelling and use it consistently across your document or site.

How can you remember which one to use?

Use authorize when granting permission, unauthorized when describing something without permission, and deauthorize when taking permission away. The memory tricks below give you a few more hooks.

Common mistakes with authorize and unauthorize

• ✗ The manager unauthorized the transfer.
  ✓ The manager revoked authorization for the transfer.
• ✗ I need to unauthorize this app from my account.
  ✓ I need to deauthorize this app from my account.
• ✗ Unauthorize personnel may not enter the building.
  ✓ Unauthorized personnel may not enter the building.
• ✗ Only unauthorized users can edit this file.
  ✓ Only authorized users can edit this file.
• ✗ The bank blocked an authorized charge I never made.
  ✓ The bank blocked an unauthorized charge I never made.

Memory tricks for authorize vs unauthorize

• The “un” is for adjectives: Un- works with the adjective unauthorized, not the verb. There is no “unauthorize.”
• De means take away: De- often means to remove or reverse, as in deactivate and deauthorize.
• Author inside: Authorize contains “author,” someone with the authority to approve.

Authorize vs unauthorize FAQ

Is unauthorize a word?

No. Unauthorize is not a standard word. Use unauthorized as the adjective, or deauthorize as the verb for withdrawing permission.

What is the opposite of authorize?

It depends on the meaning. To take permission back, use deauthorize or revoke. To refuse permission, use deny or prohibit. For something done without permission, use the adjective unauthorized.

What does unauthorized mean?

Unauthorized means done, used or accessed without official permission, such as an unauthorized charge or unauthorized entry.

What is the difference between unauthorized and deauthorized?

Unauthorized describes something that never had permission. Deauthorized describes something that once had permission and then lost it.

Is it authorize or authorise?

Both are correct. Authorize is the American spelling, and authorise is the usual British spelling, though Oxford style keeps the -ize ending.

Conclusion

The authorize vs unauthorize question has a simple answer: authorize is a real verb, and unauthorize is not standard, so use unauthorized for the adjective and deauthorize for the verb. Match the form to the idea, and your writing stays clear and correct. Share this with someone who mixes these up, and retake the quiz above to lock it in.