What Is Another Way to Say “Not Allowed”?

Looking for synonyms for not allowed? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say not allowed.

  • Prohibited
  • Forbidden
  • Banned
  • Barred
  • Restricted
  • Taboo
  • Outlawed
  • Illegal
  • Disallowed
  • Vetoed
  • Blocked
  • Unpermitted
  • Inadmissible
  • Off-limits
  • Verboten
  • Excluded
  • Denied
  • Contraband
  • Unacceptable
  • Disapproved

Want to learn how to say not allowed professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Prohibited

Used in formal or legal contexts to denote something that is strictly disallowed.

Example: “Smoking is prohibited within all company buildings.”

2. Forbidden

Appropriate for strong cultural, ethical, or policy-based restrictions.

Example: “Access to confidential records is strictly forbidden for unauthorized personnel.”

3. Banned

Used when something is completely disallowed, often in regulatory or policy contexts.

Example: “The use of handheld devices while driving is banned in many states.”

4. Barred

Appropriate for preventing entry or participation, often in legal or security-related contexts.

Example: “Individuals with a criminal record are barred from holding this position.”

5. Restricted

Used for limitations or conditions that reduce access or usage, often in security or administrative contexts.

Example: “Access to the server room is restricted to IT staff only.”

6. Taboo

Appropriate for cultural or social practices that are strongly discouraged or viewed as inappropriate.

Example: “Discussing personal salaries is considered taboo in many corporate environments.”

7. Outlawed

Used mainly in legal contexts to describe actions that are made illegal by law.

Example: “Insider trading is outlawed in the stock market.”

8. Illegal

Appropriate for actions or activities that are against the law.

Example: “Hacking into a computer network is illegal and punishable by law.”

9. Disallowed

Used in various contexts where specific actions or behaviors are not permitted.

Example: “Personal use of the company’s email system is disallowed.”

10. Vetoed

Appropriate in legislative or decision-making contexts where a proposal or action is rejected.

Example: “The board vetoed the proposed merger with the competitor.”

11. Blocked

Used in contexts where access or progress is physically or digitally impeded.

Example: “The company has blocked all access to social media sites on its network.”

12. Unpermitted

Appropriate for actions or activities that lack necessary permissions or approvals.

Example: “Conducting business in the residential area is unpermitted.”

13. Inadmissible

Used mainly in legal contexts to describe evidence or statements that cannot be presented in court.

Example: “The acquired evidence was deemed inadmissible due to improper procedure.”

14. Off-limits

Appropriate for areas or topics that are strictly out of bounds or not to be engaged with.

Example: “The research and development wing is off-limits to non-essential personnel.”

15. Verboten

Used to denote something that is strictly prohibited, often in a forceful or emphatic manner.

Example: “Use of unauthorized software on work computers is verboten.”

16. Excluded

Appropriate for situations where specific items or people are deliberately left out or not considered.

Example: “Casual wear is excluded from the company’s dress code policy.”

17. Denied

Used in administrative or procedural contexts where permission or access is refused.

Example: “Your request for additional budget has been denied.”

18. Contraband

Appropriate for goods or items that are illegal or prohibited by law from being possessed or traded.

Example: “The customs officials discovered contraband hidden in the cargo shipment.”

19. Unacceptable

Used to describe behaviors or actions that are not tolerated within a particular context.

Example: “Harassment of any form is unacceptable in our workplace.”

20. Disapproved

Appropriate for actions, plans, or ideas that have been officially rejected or not sanctioned.

Example: “The new design for the website was disapproved by the management team.”

Linda Brown