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.
The start of the trial in Paris comes three months after Brigitte and her husband sued right-wing American podcaster Candace Owens for making similar unfounded allegations about Brigitte's gender on a public platform. Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025 The Lone Star State is no stranger to conspiracy theories – from baseless claims that cloud seeding caused deadly floods last July to unfounded fears that a routine military training exercise in 2015 was a secret plot to impose martial law in Texas and confiscate firearms. Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025 My anxiety could not have been more unfounded. Chris Willman, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025 Kennedy has come under criticism for vaccine skepticism and repeating unfounded claims about the causes of autism. Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 21 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 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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