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Unfounded: meaning, definitions and examples

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unfounded

 

[ ʌnˈfaʊndɪd ]

Adjective
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

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

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.