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 The evidence clearly suggests that the rampant fears that sanctions on Russian metals will destabilize the global economy are unfounded. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 22 Mar. 2024 But a Republican lawmaker shared in late February that Indiana Right to Life lobbied for IUDs, contraceptives placed in the uterus, to be carved out of the bill, due to unfounded claims that IUDs causeabortions. Brittany Carloni, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Mar. 2024 That fear turned out to be unfounded: Hundreds of babies later, there has been, at least anecdotally, no uptick in severe birth defects. Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2024 TikTok is spinning over speculation that the BBC has been alerted of an impending palace announcement — but the rumors are unfounded. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 18 Mar. 2024 Those predictions proved to be unfounded, and a swift rebound in consumption combined with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sent oil and gas prices soaring, resulting in record profits for fossil fuel producers. Laura Hurst, Fortune Europe, 14 Mar. 2024 And there were several incidents that the university determined to be unfounded, without evidence the initial report was false. Ben Finley, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2024 The fact that so few were ready has much to do with continuing doubts about alternative solutions, which are not entirely unfounded. Evgeny Popov, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Sam Ricketts never responded to the offer, instead choosing to seek out an undeserved and lucrative payout through this unfounded legal battle. Eleanor McCrary, The Courier-Journal, 14 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unfounded.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfounded was in 1648

Dictionary Entries Near unfounded

Cite this Entry

“Unfounded.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfounded. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!