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

Senior Deputy Shawn Forton, 40, was originally suspended with pay July 10 after an investigation was launched following allegations by a woman that were reviewed by the Harford County Sheriff’s Office command staff, according to a Wednesday news release. —Matt Hubbard, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2024

Connecticut’s State Elections Enforcement Commission continues to refer allegations of absentee ballot abuse in Bridgeport to state prosecutors for potential criminal charges — and the latest referral could ensnare another sitting Bridgeport city council member. —Andrew Brown, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2024

Last July, Northwestern fired football coach Pat Fitzgerald amid allegations of an endemic hazing culture in his program, prompting Fitzgerald to file a $130 million wrongful termination suit. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 17 July 2024

An Innova representative said the allegations are false and part of an extortion attempt. —Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 17 July 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