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Unfounded Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unfounded

[สŒnหˆfaสŠndษชd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

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?

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Word Description / Examples
unfounded

Unfounded is frequently used when talking about beliefs or opinions that have no foundation in reality.

  • Her belief that he was cheating was unfounded
  • The police found the allegations to be completely unfounded
baseless

Baseless is typically used when someone makes a statement, claim, or allegation that has no support or justification.

  • The accusations against her were entirely baseless
  • His arguments are baseless and lack factual support
groundless

Groundless is used to describe complaints, fears, or suspicions that are not based on any facts or valid reason.

  • Their groundless complaints were quickly dismissed
  • His fears about losing his job were groundless
unsubstantiated

Unsubstantiated is often used in formal or legal contexts to describe claims or allegations that have not been proven or supported by evidence.

  • The report contained unsubstantiated claims about his involvement
  • Her accusations remain unsubstantiated as no proof has been found

Examples of usage

  • The accusations against him were unfounded.
  • The claims of the conspiracy theorists were completely unfounded.
Context #2 | Adjective

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?

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Word Description / Examples
unfounded

Used when a belief, statement, or claim lacks any basis in fact or truth.

  • His fears were unfounded; there's no evidence to support them
unjustified

Used when there is no good reason or explanation for an action or opinion.

  • The police resorted to unjustified force during the protest
unwarranted

Used when something is done without valid reason or need, often implying it is inappropriate or excessive.

  • The comment about her appearance was totally unwarranted and rude
unreasonable

Used when something is not guided by or based on good sense or logic; often perceived as excessive or inappropriate.

  • Demanding a refund after using most of the product is unreasonable

Examples of usage

  • His unfounded fears prevented him from taking any risks.
  • The decision to fire her was completely unfounded.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • The concept of unfounded beliefs is linked to cognitive biases, where people accept opinions without critical analysis.
  • Unfounded fears, like the fear of flying despite safety data, demonstrate how beliefs can be irrational.

Literature

  • In literary contexts, unfounded rumors often drive plots, showcasing how misinformation affects characters and their decisions.
  • Classic works, such as Shakespeare's plays, address themes of unfounded jealousy and misunderstanding among characters.

Media

  • Unfounded claims often circulate in news and social media, illustrating the importance of verifying information before sharing it.
  • Fact-checking organizations work to debunk unfounded conspiracy theories and rumors that spread online.

Law

  • In legal settings, claims can be deemed unfounded if there is insufficient evidence to support them.
  • Defamation cases often revolve around unfounded allegations, requiring proof to substantiate or refute claims made about someone.

Origin of 'unfounded'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'unfounded' comes from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'founded,' which means 'based on' or 'established.'
  • It has been used in English since the late 19th century, mainly in discussions of opinions or beliefs that lack evidence.

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.