In a way that is not formal, authorized, or coming from someone in an official position.
Built from 'un-' (not) + 'official' (from Latin 'officium', meaning duty or position) + '-ly' (adverb suffix). The word emerged in English to describe information or actions that bypass official channels.
Governments and organizations hate this word because it describes the real way things get done—through hallway conversations and word-of-mouth before anything is officially announced or confirmed.
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