nonauthoritative
Lacking official standing
Nonauthoritative describes sources, statements, or versions that lack official status or binding force.
A nonauthoritative translation may be useful but isn't the legally recognized text.
In computing, a nonauthoritative DNS server provides cached rather than original records.
The term often appears in legal and technical contexts where the distinction between official and unofficial matters: The nonauthoritative copy is for reference only.
Uncertain and provisional
- ambiguousHaving multiple interpretations
- equivocalUncertain in meaning
- indeterminateNot exactly known
- unresolvedLacking final determination
open-ended · speculative · inconclusive · unconfirmed · unsettled · unconvincing · unpersuasive · debatable
Relaxed and informal
- unofficialNot formally recognized
- unendorsedNot officially supported
- unrecognizedNot identified or acknowledged
- unsanctionedNot officially permitted
unapproved · unaccredited · unlicensed · unregulated · extralegal · grassroots · ad-hoc · impromptu
Of uncertain validity
- dubiousOf uncertain reliability
- suspectBelieve to be likely
- untrustworthyNot deserving of confidence
- uncorroboratedNot confirmed by evidence
unsubstantiated · unverified · undocumented · unsourced · unattributed · secondhand · hearsay · rumor
Notice recommending action
- guidanceAdvice for decisions
- recommendationAdvised course of action
- suggestionIdea proposed for consideration
- counselExpert guidance offered
consultation · informational · briefing · guideline · instructive · indicative · persuasive · hortatory
tentative
Uncertain and provisional
- ambiguousHaving multiple interpretations
- equivocalUncertain in meaning
- indeterminateNot exactly known
unresolved · open-ended · speculative · inconclusive · unconfirmed · unsettled · unconvincing · unpersuasive · debatable · contestable
casual
Relaxed and informal
- unofficialNot formally recognized
- unendorsedNot officially supported
- unrecognizedNot identified or acknowledged
unsanctioned · unapproved · unaccredited · unlicensed · unregulated · extralegal · grassroots · ad-hoc · impromptu · makeshift
questionable
Of uncertain validity
- dubiousOf uncertain reliability
- suspectBelieve to be likely
- untrustworthyNot deserving of confidence
uncorroborated · unsubstantiated · unverified · undocumented · unsourced · unattributed · secondhand · hearsay · rumor · gossip
advisory
Notice recommending action
- guidanceAdvice for decisions
- recommendationAdvised course of action
- suggestionIdea proposed for consideration
counsel · consultation · informational · briefing · guideline · instructive · indicative · persuasive · hortatory · suggestive
nonauthoritativeauthoritative
Having recognized expertise
official · canonical · definitive · sanctioned · authorized
nonauthoritativecanonical
Accepted as standard
definitive · standard · official · authoritative · orthodox
nonauthoritativeauthoritative
Having recognized expertise
credible · reliable · trustworthy · expert · scholarly