Obehörig

Obehörig is a Swedish adjective used to describe someone or something that lacks the required authorization, competence, or jurisdiction for a specific task or situation. It denotes that a person or body is not empowered to act or make decisions in a given context. The term is the negation of behörig, meaning authorized, eligible, or competent.

Etymology and nuance: obehörig is formed from the prefix o- or ob- attached to behörig, which originates from the idea of being entitled or competent. The word appears predominantly in formal, administrative, and legal texts, where precise allocation of powers and rights is important. In everyday language, speakers more commonly say inte behörig or ej behörig, but obehörig is widely understood and used in formal writing.

Usage and contexts: The term can refer to a person who lacks the authority to act (for example, a staff member who is obehörig to approve a financial transaction), an organization or body that lacks jurisdiction in a particular matter (obehörig myndighet), or a participant who does not meet official eligibility requirements (obehörig sökande). It is often used to indicate that action is outside the proper scope of power or legality.

Examples: A decision made by an obehörig official may be considered invalid. An obehörig entity cannot grant access to restricted information. In forms and regulations, beneficiaries or applicants who do not meet the criteria are described as obehöriga or as lacking behörighet.

See also: behörig, behörighetskrav, befogenhet, jurisdiktion.