unfounded

adjective

un·​found·​ed ˌən-ˈfau̇n-dəd How to pronounce unfounded (audio)
: lacking a sound basis : groundless, unwarranted
an unfounded accusation

Examples of unfounded in a Sentence

the accusation proved to be unfounded
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Russia has called the accusations unfounded. Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025 About an hour later, the lockdown was lifted -- and authorities later said the initial reports were unfounded. Luke Barr, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2025 In the episode, eight of the nine ringers suffer calamities on the eve of the game which preclude their participation, with Sax held on comically-unfounded suspicion of committing approximately 600 murders in the New York City area. Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2025 However, those rumors were unfounded. Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 28 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unfounded

Word History

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfounded was in 1648

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Cite this Entry

“Unfounded.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfounded. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

unfounded

adjective
un·​found·​ed ˌən-ˈfau̇n-dəd How to pronounce unfounded (audio)
ˈən-
: lacking a sound base : groundless
unfounded suspicions

More from Merriam-Webster on unfounded

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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