Unfounded: meaning, definitions and examples
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unfounded
[ ʌnˈfaʊndɪd ]
without basis
Unfounded means not based on fact or reason. It refers to something that lacks evidence or justification.
Synonyms
baseless, groundless, unsubstantiated.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
unfounded |
Unfounded is frequently used when talking about beliefs or opinions that have no foundation in reality.
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baseless |
Baseless is typically used when someone makes a statement, claim, or allegation that has no support or justification.
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groundless |
Groundless is used to describe complaints, fears, or suspicions that are not based on any facts or valid reason.
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unsubstantiated |
Unsubstantiated is often used in formal or legal contexts to describe claims or allegations that have not been proven or supported by evidence.
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Examples of usage
- The accusations against him were unfounded.
- The claims of the conspiracy theorists were completely unfounded.
not justified
Unfounded can also mean not justified or unwarranted. It describes something that is not supported by valid reasons or arguments.
Synonyms
unjustified, unreasonable, unwarranted.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
unfounded |
Used when a belief, statement, or claim lacks any basis in fact or truth.
|
unjustified |
Used when there is no good reason or explanation for an action or opinion.
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unwarranted |
Used when something is done without valid reason or need, often implying it is inappropriate or excessive.
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unreasonable |
Used when something is not guided by or based on good sense or logic; often perceived as excessive or inappropriate.
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Examples of usage
- His unfounded fears prevented him from taking any risks.
- The decision to fire her was completely unfounded.
Translations
Translations of the word "unfounded" in other languages:
🇵🇹 infundado
🇮🇳 अधारहीन
🇩🇪 unbegründet
🇮🇩 tidak berdasar
🇺🇦 безпідставний
🇵🇱 bezpodstawny
🇯🇵 根拠のない
🇫🇷 non fondé
🇪🇸 infundado
🇹🇷 asılsız
🇰🇷 근거 없는
🇸🇦 لا أساس له
🇨🇿 neopodstatněný
🇸🇰 neopodstatnený
🇨🇳 没有根据的
🇸🇮 neutemeljen
🇮🇸 órökstuddur
🇰🇿 негізсіз
🇬🇪 უსაფუძვლო
🇦🇿 əsassız
🇲🇽 infundado
Etymology
The word unfounded originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the past participle of 'found' meaning 'to establish or base on'. Therefore, unfounded literally means 'not established or based on'. The term has been used in English language since the 16th century.
See also: foundable, foundation, foundational, founded, founder, founders, foundling, profound.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #13,899, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.
- ...
- 13896 configured
- 13897 equated
- 13898 notoriously
- 13899 unfounded
- 13900 strawberry
- 13901 manageable
- 13902 unscrupulous
- ...