unfounded
/ʌn'faundid/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Lacking a basis in reason or fact; not supported by evidence: Describes a claim, belief, fear, or suspicion that is not founded on solid proof or logical reasoning.
Usage
- The adjective unfounded is used to describe statements, ideas, or feelings that are not grounded in reality or evidence.
- It is typically placed before the noun it modifies (e.g., ) or used after a linking verb like "is," "was," or "seems" (e.g., ).
Examples
- Adjective:
- The newspaper had to retract the unfounded story about the celebrity.
- Her worries about failing the exam were completely unfounded; she received the highest score.
- The police dismissed the report as unfounded.
Advanced Usage
- "to be unfounded in fact": to have no basis in reality.
- The theory, while popular, is unfounded in fact.
- "to prove unfounded": to be shown to be without basis.
- Our initial concerns about safety proved unfounded after the inspection.
Variants and Related Words
- Baseless (adj): Having no foundation in fact. Often used interchangeably with .
- baseless accusations
- Groundless (adj): Without good reason or justification.
- groundless anxiety
- Unwarranted (adj): Not justified or authorized. Can imply something is excessive or unnecessary.
- unwarranted criticism
Synonyms
- Unsubstantiated: Not supported or proven by evidence.
- Ill-founded: Poorly based or reasoned.
- Specious: Seemingly true or reasonable but actually false.
Antonyms
- Well-founded: Based on good evidence or reasons.
- Justified: Having a sound, logical, or lawful basis.
- Valid: Well-grounded in logic or fact.
Adjective
- without a basis in reason or fact
- baseless gossip
- the allegations proved groundless
- idle fears
- unfounded suspicions
- unwarranted jealousy