unsubstantiated

[uhn-suhb-stan-shee-ey-tid]

adjective

1. not substantiated; unproved or unverified.

   unsubstantiated allegations.

2. being without form or substance.

unsubstantiated

/ ˌʌnsəbˈstænʃɪˌeɪtɪd /

adjective

1. not established as valid or genuine

   unsubstantiated allegations

Word History and Origins

Origin of unsubstantiated¹

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

Example Sentences

Barkley said “every case is investigated” and found to be either “substantiated, unsubstantiated or unfounded.”

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That first report found the allegation that a resident was left behind and rescued by her son to be unsubstantiated, due to lack of evidence.

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This time, citing his “unsubstantiated and reckless personal opinions,” the laboratory rescinded the honorary titles it had bestowed, chancellor emeritus and honorary trustee.

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“California voters will not be deceived by someone who consistently makes desperate, unsubstantiated attempts to dissuade Americans from participating in our democracy.”

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The daughter of Brigitte Macron told a French court Tuesday that unsubstantiated claims online that the French first lady was assigned male at birth had adversely affected her mother's health.

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Related Words

• debatable 
• dubious 
• unsupported