as in unreasonable
having no basis in reason or fact
the accusation proved to be unfounded
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Recent Examples of unfounded
Following the fight, rumors spread through the community of an armed retaliation, which led the district to notify parents Thursday night that police were investigating the possible threat, which officials later said was unfounded.
—
Kyle Martin, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025
This desperation is not unfounded; a joint study by Stanford University and Tessian revealed that 88% of data breaches are caused by human error—errors that skilled professionals could help prevent through proper training, implementation of secure processes and advanced threat detection.
—Sarim Nadeem, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
So whether that fear is founded or unfounded, the fear is real.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025
If the complaints that prompted this most recent investigation prove to be unfounded, the department has nothing to hide.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfounded
Kyle Martin, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025
This desperation is not unfounded; a joint study by Stanford University and Tessian revealed that 88% of data breaches are caused by human error—errors that skilled professionals could help prevent through proper training, implementation of secure processes and advanced threat detection.
—Sarim Nadeem, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
So whether that fear is founded or unfounded, the fear is real.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025
If the complaints that prompted this most recent investigation prove to be unfounded, the department has nothing to hide.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfounded
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfounded
Adjective
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But the comparison of the former Pac-12 to the new Pac-12 isn’t unreasonable, either.—
Jon Wilner,
The Mercury News,
3 Mar. 2025
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Reasons to hire Gen Z include their focus on balance and staying grounded—which have the benefit of reducing burnout or unreasonable expectations.—
Tracy Brower,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The claims against Trump’s character are not groundless.—
Avi Nelson,
Boston Herald,
30 Oct. 2024
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The claims of an invasion of the Eastern seaboard by swarms of drones has every marker of a groundless social media frenzy.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The Trump Administration's DOGE has made unsubstantiated claims of high levels of Social Security fraud, and has initiated federal worker layoffs could exacerbate existing staffing issues at the Social Security Administration.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
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It's been marked by inaccuracies, miscalculations and unsubstantiated claims of budget cutting.—
Graham Kates,
CBS News,
27 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unfounded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfounded. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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