Unfounded
/ʌnˈfaʊndɪd/
Definitions
Lacking a valid basis or foundation; groundless.
/ʌnˈfaʊndɪd/
Without a basis in fact; not based on evidence or truth.
The accusations of fraud were proven to be unfounded.
💡 Simply: Imagine you hear a crazy story, but there's *nothing* to prove it's true. It's just made up! That's unfounded.
👶 For kids: If something is unfounded, it's like a story that isn't true and has no reasons behind it.
More Examples
Her suspicions, while intense, proved largely unfounded.
The belief that aliens have visited the Earth remains unfounded.
How It's Used
"The newspaper reported an unfounded rumor that caused panic."
"The charges were dismissed as unfounded due to a lack of evidence."
"His fears were often unfounded, stemming from anxiety rather than reality."
From "un-" (not) + "founded" (established, based). It emerged in the late 17th century, indicating a lack of basis or foundation.
The word "unfounded" has been used since the late 17th century, reflecting the rise of empiricism and the need to critically assess information. It was often used in contexts of legal proceedings and philosophical discussions about truth and evidence.
Memory tip
Imagine a house (idea/belief) without a foundation (evidence). It's unfounded.
Word Origin
"not founded, lacking a foundation"