The term "unelected" refers to someone who has not been chosen through a democratic process, such as an election, to hold a particular position or office. This means that they have not been selected by the people they are supposed to represent and instead have gained power in some other way, such as inheritance, appointment by a higher authority, or self-appointment. In contrast, someone who is elected has been chosen through a fair and democratic process, where the will of the majority prevails.