unfounded

[uhn-foun-did] / ʌnˈfaʊn dɪd /

ADJECTIVE

not based on fact

Synonyms

STRONGEST

baseless deceptive fabricated false gratuitous groundless illogical misleading spurious unjustified unproven unsubstantiated untrue untruthful unwarranted

WEAK

fallacious foundationless idle mendacious off-base trumped-up uncalled-for unreal vain without basis without foundation

Antonyms

STRONGEST

called-for correct genuine honest justified real reasonable right true truthful warranted

WEAK

founded proven substantiated supported

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.

This is completely unfounded both medically and scientifically.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

But instead of quelling the speculation, the video fueled a new wave of unfounded theories.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Levy: I have a completely unfounded fear of being trapped in an organized criminal situation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Some criticisms of the accelerated approval pathway aren’t unfounded.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

He decided that the rumors he had been hearing about her hands were unfounded.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston