unfounded

adjective

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

Synonyms of unfounded

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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.
Kelly said the initial report — a person with a rifle outside a church — is the kind of call that, in his experience, is usually unfounded. — Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 Local election officials had previously said the complaint was unfounded. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 Still, that unfounded claim has continued to make some parents question the MMR shot, Handy said. — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026 The investigating officers in the 2012 Delray Beach incident determined the allegations against Caruso to be unfounded, according to police records, after the child did not tell them about any untoward incident in interviews. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for unfounded

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Browse Nearby Words

unfound
unfounded
unfoundedly
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Cite this Entry

“Unfounded.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfounded. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unfounded

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