Unsourced Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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unsourced
[ʌnˈsɔːrst ]
Definition
lack of source
Unsourced refers to information or claims that do not have an attributed origin or citation. This term is often used in academic and journalistic contexts to indicate that a statement lacks reliable or verifiable sources.
Synonyms
unattributed, uncited, unverified.
Examples of usage
- The article contained several unsourced statements.
- Be cautious of unsourced claims on social media.
- In academic writing, unsourced information is discouraged.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Media Literacy
- Unsourced information raises red flags in journalism, as it often leads to misinformation.
- Modern media encourages fact-checking and sourcing to promote credibility and reliability in news reporting.
- Educational initiatives are now focused on teaching individuals how to discern credible sources versus unsourced information.
Pop Culture
- The rise of social media has led to an increase in the sharing of unsourced information, leading to viral misinformation.
- Documentaries and online content often address the dangers of spreading unsourced claims, especially in political discussions.
- Online forums sometimes prioritize verified data, while unsourced comments can create confusion and debate.
Legal Aspects
- In legal contexts, unsourced claims can weaken an argument or case, as evidence must be substantiateable.
- Plagiarism is often linked to failing to source information, emphasizing the importance of crediting original creators.
- Legal documents commonly require sources to maintain credibility and avoid potential litigation.
Academic Standards
- In academia, unsourced claims are often dismissed or require rigorous peer review to ensure reliability.
- Research ethics emphasizes sourcing to uphold scholarly integrity and promote responsible information dissemination.
- Students are increasingly trained in citation practices to avoid presenting unsourced information in their work.
Origin of 'unsourced'
Main points about word origin
- The prefix 'un-' means 'not', which combines with 'source' to indicate a lack of origin or reference.
- The term emerged in the late 20th century alongside the rise of the internet and information sharing, often regarding data accuracy.
- Initially used in journalism and academic writing to critique information without clear origins.
The term 'unsourced' is derived from the prefix 'un-', which means 'not', and the word 'source', which comes from the Latin 'sourcere', meaning 'to rise or flow'. The combination of these elements signifies the absence of a source. The use of 'unsourced' emerged in the 20th century, particularly in the fields of journalism and academia, as the need for credible information became paramount. As digital communication and information dissemination expanded, the need to identify credible sources became even more critical, thus leading to an increase in the usage of the term. In the age of the internet, unsourced information, often found on social media platforms, poses challenges in terms of misinformation and the reliability of data.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #42,465, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.