imputation

American  

[im-pyoo-tey-shuhn] / ˌɪm pyʊˈteɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of imputing.

2. an attribution, as of fault or crime; accusation.

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Etymology

Origin of imputation

1535–45; < Late Latin imputātiōn- (stem of imputātiō ), equivalent to Latin imputāt ( us ) past participle of imputāre to ascribe, impute + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

Imputation is the attributing of actions to a source: often, imputation involves actions that are criminal. Imputation takes words or actions and ties them to a person or a cause. An imputation is when you say "He did it!" Imputations are therefore similar to accusations. Often, this word relates to imputations of dirty deeds, especially illegal deeds. "My brother stole the car" is an imputation. "The butler killed the maid" is an imputation. Imputations place blame, usually for something very wrong indeed. This word is often used in legal situations, when imputations are part of testimony.

Example Sentences

Vector Casa de Bolsa said it “categorically rejected any imputation that compromises its institutional integrity.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2025

The regulator said it would like more assurance that the ONS has sufficient steps in place to regularly review and improve sample design and representativeness, bias, survey methodology, and imputation.

From BBC • May 9, 2025

There was his imputation that Gal Gadot's claims that he threatened her career was a misunderstanding due to English being her second language, which she refutes.

From Salon • Jan. 22, 2022

But after listening to dueling presentations, he allowed the imputation work to continue — handing the career officials a victory on one of their most important concerns.

From New York Times • Aug. 12, 2021

“I know something of Mr. Lloyd; I shall write to him; if his reply agrees with your statement, you shall be publicly cleared from every imputation; to me, Jane, you are clear now.”

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë