adj Uncommon

unfounded

Unfounded (adj) means not based on facts or solid evidence. Example: “The rumours about the merger turned out to be completely unfounded.”

adj

Not based on facts or solid evidence.

"The rumours about the merger turned out to be completely unfounded."

"Police said the allegations were unfounded and dropped the case."

How to use unfounded

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHaving no real basis in fact — a claim or fear with nothing solid behind it.

Easily confused with

unfound

Common pairings

unfounded rumour unfounded fear unfounded claim

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “unfounded” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The rumours about the merger turned out to be completely _____.

Etymology

From un- + founded, as in "founded on" solid evidence.

Rhymes for unfounded

funded pounded founded wounded rounded bounded grounded astounded confounded compounded dumbfounded

See all rhymes for unfounded →

Frequently asked questions

What does “unfounded” mean?

The word “unfounded” means not based on facts or solid evidence. In plain terms, having no real basis in fact — a claim or fear with nothing solid behind it.

How do you use “unfounded” in a sentence?

Here is “unfounded” used in a sentence: “The rumours about the merger turned out to be completely unfounded.”

What part of speech is “unfounded”?

“Unfounded” is an adjective.

Is “unfounded” a common word?

“Unfounded” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Featured in

Vocabulary lists that include unfounded:

Words that start with U