Unverified Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

❌

Add to dictionary

unverified

[ˌʌnˈvɛrɪˌfaɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

information

Not confirmed or proven to be true, accurate, or reliable.

Synonyms

unconfirmed, uncorroborated, unsubstantiated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unverified	Use when information or a claim has not been checked or confirmed for accuracy. The news story is based on unverified sources. He shared an unverified rumor about the company's merger.
unconfirmed	Applies to information or an event that has not received official approval or acknowledgment. The event details are still unconfirmed. There is unconfirmed information about the launch date.
unsubstantiated	Used for claims or information that lack proof or supporting evidence, often implying doubt or skepticism. The allegations are unsubstantiated with any solid proof. He made unsubstantiated claims about the product's effectiveness.
uncorroborated	Describes statements or claims that have not yet been supported by evidence or additional sources. The witness's testimony remains uncorroborated. These accusations are uncorroborated and should be taken cautiously.

Examples of usage

The news report was based on unverified sources.
There are many unverified rumors circulating on social media.
Please provide verified information, not unverified claims.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

identity

Not confirmed or authenticated as genuine or valid.

Synonyms

unauthenticated, unconfirmed, unvalidated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unverified	When information or data has not been checked for accuracy or authenticity. Common in situations involving news, rumors, or any claim that has not been independently substantiated. The news article contained unverified information about the incident. His credentials are unverified, so proceed with caution.
unconfirmed	Best used when referring to something that is awaiting validation or final approval. Common in breaking news, pending approvals, or preliminary reports. Reports of the earthquake are still unconfirmed. Her appointment to the committee is unconfirmed.
unauthenticated	Used primarily in contexts where proof of identity or origin is lacking, often in technology, security, or historical documents. It implies that a claim hasn't been authenticated by a trusted entity. The unauthenticated user could not access the secure server. The relics in the museum are still unauthenticated.
unvalidated	Often used in contexts where data, methods, or processes have not been proven effective or accurate. Common in science, software development, and quality assurance. The experimental results are unvalidated and need further testing. Unvalidated data should not be used in the final analysis.

Examples of usage

The identity of the suspect remains unverified.
We cannot accept unverified identification documents.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Media and Communication

In the digital age, 'unverified' information often spreads on social media, contributing to misinformation.
Fact-checking organizations are crucial in identifying unverified claims in news articles and social media posts.
The phrase 'unverified sources' is a common red flag in journalism, highlighting the need for careful research.

Science

In scientific research, unverified results can lead to flawed conclusions and misinformed public policies.
Peer review is a process used to verify research before publication, aiming to eliminate unverified studies from scientific discourse.
Unverified data can compromise the validity of experiments, impacting the replication of results in scientific fields.

Psychology

Unverified beliefs can contribute to cognitive biases, where individuals accept information that confirms their existing views.
People often feel a sense of certainty in their unverified opinions, even when lacking evidence.
The Dunning-Kruger effect highlights how individuals with limited knowledge may be unaware of their unverified misunderstandings.

Technology

In cybersecurity, unverified software can pose risks, as users may unknowingly download malware.
Blockchain technology aims to create verified, tamper-proof records to combat the dangers of unverified information.
Verification protocols are essential in data transmission to ensure that information is not unverified and can be trusted.

Origin of 'unverified'

Main points about word origin

The prefix 'un-' comes from Old English meaning 'not' or 'opposite of'.
The root 'verify' is derived from the Latin word 'verificare', which means 'to prove to be true'.
The term 'unverified' has been in use at least since the early 20th century in contexts involving data and information.

The word 'unverified' originated from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the past participle of 'verify', which comes from the Latin word 'verificare', meaning 'make true'. The term gained popularity in the context of information verification and authentication in the digital age, where the spread of unverified information became a significant issue.

See also: verifiable, verification, verified, verifier, verify.