unelected

adjective

un·​elect·​ed ˌən-i-ˈlek-təd How to pronounce unelected (audio)
: not chosen by vote : not elected
unelected government officials
unelected judges

Examples of unelected in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Such a body would derive its legitimacy from officials recently elected by the Haitian people themselves rather than from negotiations among unelected transitional authorities or proposals perceived as externally imposed. — José Singer, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026 Since then, Delcy Rodriguez has functioned as an unelected president with the imprimatur of Washington. — Rafael Osío Cabrices, Time, 20 July 2026 His abrupt exit left Oakland without its highest-ranking unelected official. — Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 16 July 2026 The dispatch Although yet to submit himself to proper media questioning, Andy Burnham, Britain’s incoming — and unelected — prime minister, is fleshing out his policy aims. — Ian King, CNBC, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unelected

Word History

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unelected was in 1776

Rhymes for unelected

See All Rhymes for unelected

Browse Nearby Words

unelectable
unelected
unelectrified
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unelected.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unelected. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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