unfounded

adjective

un·​found·​ed ˌən-ˈfau̇n-dəd 

: lacking a sound basis : groundless, unwarranted

an unfounded accusation

Synonyms of unfounded

• unreasonable
• baseless
• groundless
• unsubstantiated
• unwarranted

Examples of unfounded in a Sentence

the accusation proved to be unfounded

Recent Examples on the Web

Still, a bullish case for Alphabet rests not in its post-earnings concerns being unfounded, but rather on its growth being strong enough to withstand them. — Julia Spina, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2026

Congressional scrutiny can rattle investors, embolden activists, invite shareholder lawsuits, stimulate state enforcement and provoke consumer backlash, even when accusations prove unfounded. — Adonis Hoffman, Washington Post, 5 Nov. 2026

The investigation was closed after authorities determined Thompson’s claims were unfounded, the department said. — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026

Stewart, a potent running quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was the talk of the industry when an unfounded rumor about him being gay threatened to derail everything. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unfounded

• abounded
• astounded
• compounded
• confounded
• expounded
• foregrounded
• impounded
• propounded
• rebounded
• resounded
• subrounded
• surrounded

Kids Definition

unfounded

adjective

un·​found·​ed ˌən-ˈfau̇n-dəd 

ˈən-

: lacking a sound base : groundless

unfounded suspicions