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undocumented

American  
[uhn-dok-yuh-men-tid] / ʌnˈdɒk yəˌmɛn tɪd /

adjective

  1. lacking documentation or authentication.

  2. lacking proper immigration or working papers: undocumented immigrants.

    an undocumented worker;

    undocumented immigrants.


Sensitive Note

See illegal alien.

Etymology

Origin of undocumented

First recorded in 1880–85; un- 1 + documented ( def. )

Compare meaning

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mr. Cornyn supports a legislative solution for undocumented migrants brought to the U.S. as children.

From The Wall Street Journal

In recent months, immigration authorities have taken undocumented defendants into custody, and in at least one case deported the accused, while criminal proceedings were underway.

From Los Angeles Times

Evaluate other undocumented people residing in the U.S. on a discretionary basis, with a presumption in favor of residency rights if they’re employed, have paid taxes, and haven’t abused the welfare system.

From The Wall Street Journal

Research from the Center for Migration Studies finds that the undocumented workforce in the U.S. is large and overwhelmingly employed across key sectors of the economy.

From The Wall Street Journal

Though scholars have traced the origins of nearly all the six score or so known Lincoln photos, this one remained undocumented.

From The Wall Street Journal