not proven

British

/ ˈprəʊvən /

adjective

(postpositive) a third verdict available to Scottish courts, returned when there is evidence against the defendant but insufficient to convict

"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

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.

“Inclusion is not proven when it is easy,” Martin said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2026

But in practice, the model has not proven successful, said Jillson, the SMU political science professor.

From Salon • May 3, 2026

A charge against the footballer was found not proven.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

He has not proven that he can do that, so it’s time for a second opinion.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 28, 2026

Finding that they are not, the Atheist simply sets Theism aside as not proven, and goes on his way without further afflicting himself with such abstruse questions.

From Arrows of Freethought by Foote, G. W. (George William)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023