alleged

American  

[uh-lejd, uh-lej-id] / əˈlɛdʒd, əˈlɛdʒ ɪd /

adjective

1. declared or stated to be as described; asserted.

   The alleged murderer could not be located for questioning.

2. doubtful; suspect; supposed.

   The alleged cure-all produced no results when it was tested by reputable doctors.

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alleged British  

/ əˈlɛdʒd /

adjective

1. stated or described to be such; presumed

   the alleged murderer

2. dubious

   an alleged miracle

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Usage

What does alleged mean? Alleged is an adjective that’s used to describe things that have been claimed. It’s most often used to describe an action or situation, especially a wrongdoing or crime, that someone claims happened but that has not been confirmed or proven.Alleged can also be used as the past tense of the verb allege, meaning to claim without proof or before proof is available. Such an accusation is called an allegation. The adverb form of alleged is allegedly.As an adjective, alleged can be correctly pronounced either uh-LEJD or uh-LEJ-id. When it’s used as a verb, it’s always pronounced uh-LEJD.Alleged is most commonly used in a legal context and in journalism in reports about crime or other wrongdoing before it has been proven or before someone has been convicted. Using the word alleged allows journalists to talk about allegations without seeming to presume guilt (and getting sued for libel).Sometimes, alleged is used to mean doubtful or supposed in a way that’s intended to indicate skepticism about something, as in The alleged genius can’t even run a small company.   Example: The alleged crime took place when my client was half a state away.

Other Word Forms

• unalleged adjective

Etymology

Origin of alleged

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; allege + -ed ²

Example Sentences

A Times analysis also found nearly a third of all cases involving an alleged assault against a federal officer in Los Angeles last year ended with prosecutors dropping charges or losing at trial.

From Los Angeles Times

It also alleged that the company functioned as a front for foreign-influenced activism and that some funds were diverted for personal use.

From Barron's

The bribery scheme in Italy alleged to involve Kulibayev is part of that legal case, although the oligarch is not among the defendants.

From BBC

Chikli’s ministry recently released the findings of a government investigation into MSF that alleged that the group maintains ties with militants.

From The Wall Street Journal

Chinese-born Chen was sanctioned by Washington and London in October for directing alleged cyberscams run by hundreds of workers trafficked into compounds in Cambodia.

From Barron's

Related Words

• purported
• so-called
• stated
• supposed