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

Former University of Southern California running back Reggie Bush is demanding accountability in the wake of allegations that led to him forfeiting his Heisman Trophy in 2010. —Jamie Yuccas, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2024

Her inquisitors made a variety of false and misleading allegations about the university, its students, and its faculty. —Nara Milanich, TIME, 26 Apr. 2024

Her comments referenced the public allegations of a toxic workplace that came out ahead of the talk show’s end. —Christy Piña, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Apr. 2024

Over the past year, many rumors around the end of the pair’s relationship have made the rounds — from cheating allegations to a jar of strawberry jam. —Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 26 Apr. 2024

Concerns included allegations that Darien paid his roommate $1,900 in school funds under the false pretense of coaching the girls soccer team, police said. —Ben Finley, Fortune, 26 Apr. 2024

An additional 42 people were arrested in connection with drug-, gun- and violence-related cases, 16 of which included gang allegations. —Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2024

Updates on School 87 case:State officials reviewing former IPS teacher's license after abuse allegations surfaced The news of the disturbing video broke last week when the mother of a 7-year-old student filed a lawsuit against the teacher, IPS and multiple school officials. —Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 25 Apr. 2024

Aidala claimed that these decisions by Burke meant that Weinstein's character was on trial, rather than the allegations at hand. —Jen Juneau, Peoplemag, 25 Apr. 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