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Synonyms

unsubstantiated

American  
[uhn-suhb-stan-shee-ay-tid] / ˌʌn səbˈstæn ʃiˌeɪ tɪd /

adjective

  1. not substantiated; unproved or unverified.

    unsubstantiated allegations.

  2. being without form or substance.


unsubstantiated British  
/ ˌʌnsəbˈstænʃɪˌeɪtɪd /

adjective

  1. not established as valid or genuine

    unsubstantiated allegations

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of unsubstantiated

First recorded in 1765–75; un- 1 + substantiate + -ed 2


Vocabulary lists containing unsubstantiated

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Italy's government says the country's largest steel works must be converted to electric after a court-ordered shutdown of polluting furnaces but, as Rome seeks a buyer, critics say its plan is woefully unsubstantiated.

From Barron's ● Sep. 17, 2026

In its statement Tuesday, the county said he “has made and continues to make unsubstantiated accusations of illegal activities against employees without due process or an investigation.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026

Monroe’s personal legacy is like a charm bracelet hung with more unsubstantiated rumors than genuine facts, but one undeniable trait was her thirst to defy the world’s expectations.

From Salon ● Jul. 6, 2026

Romanian officials said they had confirmed it was a Russian drone but Moscow said "accusations" of its involvement were "unsubstantiated".

From BBC ● Jun. 5, 2026

An unsubstantiated report alleges that a Ridgeback carried off a whale calf off the coast of Norway in 1802.

From "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" by J.K. Rowling

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