allegation

noun

al·​le·​ga·​tion ˌa-li-ˈgā-shən 

1

: the act of alleging something

2

: a positive assertion especially of misconduct

Some former colleagues have made serious allegations against him.

specifically : a statement by a party to a legal action of what the party undertakes to prove

3

: an assertion unsupported and by implication regarded as unsupportable

Examples of allegation in a Sentence

The police are investigating allegations that the mayor has accepted bribes.

There have been allegations of fraud in the city government.

You're making a serious allegation. Do you have any proof?

Recent Examples on the Web

The records detail allegations including excessive force, keeping a drug house, turning off his body camera while dealing with civilians and interfering with investigations into his relatives. —Steven Martinez, Journal Sentinel, 11 June 2024

Prosecution attorneys challenged allegations of missteps in the case and cited evidence of misrepresentations about the product made by Holmes. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 11 June 2024

Smith’s conviction was overturned in 2021 amid allegations that his civil rights were violated when evidence was withheld about the use of jailhouse informants. —Tony Saavedra, Orange County Register, 10 June 2024

Stanley could lose her license to practice law if Presiding Disciplinary Judge Bryon Large and two hearing board members sustain the allegations of professional misconduct against her. —Shelly Bradbury, The Denver Post, 10 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

see allege

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

allegation

noun

al·​le·​ga·​tion ˌal-i-ˈgā-shən 

1

: the act of alleging

2

: something alleged

especially : a statement not supported by proof or evidence

allegations of criminal involvement

Legal Definition

allegation

noun

al·​le·​ga·​tion ˌa-lə-ˈgā-shən 

1

: the act of alleging

2

a

: a statement not yet proven

allegations in an affidavit

b

: a statement by a party to a lawsuit of what the party will attempt to prove : averment compare accusation, indictment, information, proof