undocumented

Everyday

1. Undocumented means not written down or recorded anywhere. tree →
2. An undocumented person (often a migrant) is living in a country without the official papers that allow them to be there; this is a polite term. tree →

In the lessons

In history: undocumented events have no written record. In computers: an undocumented feature is not in the instructions. In news and social studies: undocumented workers or immigrants — a softer, more respectful word than "illegal". Phrases: undocumented immigrant, undocumented feature.

Examples

• Much of the village's history is undocumented. tree →
• The game has an undocumented secret level. tree →
• Many undocumented workers pick fruit on farms. tree →
• The scientist's early experiments were undocumented, so no one could check them. tree →
• Undocumented migrants can find it hard to see a doctor. tree →
• This bug is undocumented, so please write it up. tree →

Note

Prefix "un-" + documented (recorded). In politics and news it is a chosen, gentler word; others use "illegal immigrant", which many people find hurtful. Talk about people with respect.