unfounded

adjective

un·​found·​ed ˌən-ˈfau̇n-dəd 

: lacking a sound basis : groundless, unwarranted

an unfounded accusation

Synonyms of unfounded

• unreasonable
• baseless
• groundless
• unsubstantiated

Examples of unfounded in a Sentence

the accusation proved to be unfounded

Recent Examples on the Web

The early concern that nonprofits couldn’t absorb capital at that scale turned out to be unfounded across more than a thousand organizations. — Max Simkoff, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026

Fortunately, this fear is unfounded, and there's a clear, penalty-free way back into compliance. — Nathalie Goldstein, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Second, in some cases, state law doesn't allow DOI to see the record at all, including cases ACS determined to be unfounded. — Alice Gainer, CBS News, 31 July 2026

That speculation, however, proved to be unfounded, and BeBe ultimately placed third on the season overall. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 31 July 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