unproven

adjective

un·​prov·​en ˌən-ˈprü-vən How to pronounce unproven (audio)
 British also  -ˈprō-
: not tested and shown to be good, true, or useful : not proven
an unproven allegation/theory
unproven benefits
unproven technology

Examples of unproven in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In its place now stands a site promoting the unproven idea that the pandemic virus SARS-CoV-2 was generated in and leaked from a lab in China, sparking the global health crisis. ArsTechnica, 18 Apr. 2025 Kennedy’s statements show a recognizable pattern: a lukewarm statement supporting medical facts sandwiched between unproven treatments and junk science. Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2025 This abundance positions natural gas as the strategic cornerstone for scaling hydrogen production without betting the farm on unproven alternatives. David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025 But Buehler has struggled, and injuries have piled up for the Red Sox, resulting in a few unproven rookies being given the ball early in the season. Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unproven

Word History

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unproven was in 1563

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Cite this Entry

“Unproven.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unproven. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Legal Definition

unproven

adjective
un·​prov·​en
ˌən-ˈprü-vən
: not proven
an unproven allegation

More from Merriam-Webster on unproven

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