authorisation

authorisation — noun

1. the formal approval needed before a particular action, payment, or process can b

1.nounB2
Definition

the formal approval needed before a particular action, payment, or process can be carried out, usually after an official request has been reviewed

Example

Christopher obtained authorisation from the city council to open a small bakery on High Street.

collocation: obtain authorisation from [authority]

Padma's application for authorisation to export herbal products was approved after nearly six weeks.

collocation: application for authorisation to [infinitive]

Common collocations
  • obtain / receive / seek / require / grant authorisation
  • written / prior / formal / express authorisation
  • authorisation to [do something]
  • authorisation from [person or body]
  • authorisation for [something]
Synonyms
  • permission

    broader and less formal than authorisation; used in everyday situations

  • approval

    common in workplace contexts; often implies less paperwork than authorisation

  • consent

    stresses voluntary agreement, especially in personal, medical, or legal settings

  • clearance

    suggests a security check or safety review has been completed

Antonyms
  • prohibition

    an official order that stops something from being done

  • refusal

    the act of saying no to a request for permission

Grammar Patterns

authorisation + to + infinitive

authorisation + for + noun phrase

authorisation + from + authority

Usage Note

Typically uncountable when referring to the abstract concept of permission. When countable (an authorisation), it usually refers to a specific document or approval code. Distinguish from authority: authorisation is specific permission for a particular action, while authority is the general right or power to act.

Common Mistakes

I need the manager's authority to leave early today.
I need the manager's authorisation to leave early today.
authority means power over others; authorisation means permission for a specific action.
We are waiting for authority from head office.
We are waiting for authorisation from head office.
authority names the person or body with power; authorisation names the permission itself.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Authorisation is the most formal of these words and is typically used in official or procedural contexts where a written or documented decision is required. Permission is the broadest and most general term — you ask permission to borrow a pen or to leave the room. Approval is common in workplace settings and can be quite informal ('I need my manager's approval'), while authorisation suggests a more structured process. Consent emphasises voluntary agreement from the person affected, making it the preferred term in medical or legal contexts ('informed consent'). Clearance adds the idea that a security or safety check has been passed ('security clearance'). For example, a pilot needs clearance to take off, a patient gives consent for surgery, a committee grants authorisation for a new drug trial, and a boss gives approval for a holiday request.

permission ↗approval ↗consent ↗clearance ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • give authorisation
  • seek authorisation
  • need authorisation
  • withhold authorisation

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

Authorisation comes from the Latin word 'auctor' meaning 'creator, promoter, or originator', which passed into Old French as 'autorisation' and then into Middle English. The '-ise' spelling (rather than American '-ize') follows the British English convention. The word has been used in legal and administrative contexts since the 15th century.