Uncorroborated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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uncorroborated

[ˌʌn.kəˈrɑː.bə.reɪ.tɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in journalism

Not supported or confirmed by any evidence; unverified.

Synonyms

unconfirmed, unsubstantiated, unsupported.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
uncorroborated	Used in formal or legal situations to indicate that information or a claim does not have supporting evidence or confirmation. The witness's testimony was deemed uncorroborated
unsubstantiated	Often used in formal writing or speech to describe claims or allegations that lack sufficient evidence or proof. This word can carry a slightly negative connotation. The accusations against the CEO were unsubstantiated
unconfirmed	Refers to information or claims that have not yet been verified or proven to be accurate. Suitable for general use in everyday language. We received unconfirmed reports of the incident
unsupported	Describes information, claims, or ideas that do not have backing evidence or supporting data. Can be used in various contexts, including academic and everyday language. Her argument was unsupported by any scientific data

Examples of usage

The journalist decided not to publish the uncorroborated story until more evidence was found.
It's important to fact-check before sharing uncorroborated information on social media.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

in law

Not supported or confirmed by witness testimony or other evidence.

Synonyms

unconfirmed, unsubstantiated, unsupported.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
uncorroborated	Use 'uncorroborated' when referring to information, testimonies, or claims that lack supporting evidence or confirmation. This often appears in legal or formal contexts. The witness's account remains uncorroborated by other testimonies. The report contained uncorroborated allegations.
unsubstantiated	Use 'unsubstantiated' to describe claims, accusations, or facts that lack supporting evidence or validation. This is often found in formal, scientific, or legal contexts, and may carry a slight negative connotation. The accusations against him are unsubstantiated. These unsubstantiated claims have garnered much media attention.
unsupported	Use 'unsupported' when addressing claims, theories, or data that lack proof or backing, often in scientific or formal arguments. It has a somewhat negative implication, as it questions the validity of the statement. The hypothesis remains unsupported by empirical data. His arguments are unsupported by any credible sources.
unconfirmed	Use 'unconfirmed' when discussing news, rumors, or hypotheses that have not yet been verified or validated. This is common in journalism or casual conversations. We have unconfirmed reports of a major explosion. The theory is still unconfirmed.

Examples of usage

The judge dismissed the case due to the uncorroborated nature of the witness's statement.
Without corroboration, the claim remains unproven in the eyes of the law.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

In legal settings, uncorroborated evidence refers to information that lacks additional support, making it less reliable in court.
Judges often require corroboration to help ensure that narratives or testimonies are credible before making decisions.

Science and Research

In scientific research, claims must be corroborated by repeatable experiments and peer reviews to gain acceptance in the scientific community.
Uncorroborated findings can lead to further investigations or debates, as they may not hold up under scrutiny.

Media Critique

News articles often highlight when a source is uncorroborated, emphasizing the need for verification to maintain journalistic integrity.
The rise of misinformation has led to increased attention on uncorroborated claims, prompting audiences to seek reliable sources.

Psychology of Belief

People are generally more likely to believe corroborated information, as it creates a sense of trust and reliability.
Cognitive biases can influence how we perceive uncorroborated claims, often leading us to believe something if it aligns with our existing beliefs.

Origin of 'uncorroborated'

Main points about word origin

The word 'uncorroborated' comes from the Latin 'corroborare', meaning 'to strengthen', with the 'un-' prefix signifying 'not'.
It first appeared in the English language around the late 19th century, reflecting the increasing importance of evidence in legal contexts.

The word 'uncorroborated' originates from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the verb 'corroborate' meaning 'to confirm or support with evidence'. It first appeared in the early 19th century, primarily used in legal and journalistic contexts to describe information or claims lacking supporting evidence.