allegation
n.-
1 an unproven accusation (n.) C1 Advanced Formal Lawa claim that someone did something bad, even though it has not been proven yet.
an unproven assertion that someone has committed a crime or a moral error. Often used in legal or journalistic contexts to describe a charge before a verdict is reached.
ExampleThe company denied the allegation that they had treated their workers unfairly.
ExampleThe committee launched a full investigation into the allegation of bribery after several anonymous whistleblowers came forward with internal documents.
UsageCommonly used with the verbs 'make', 'deny', 'investigate', or 'withdraw'.
Teacher's tipRemind students that using 'allegation' instead of 'fact' is essential in professional writing to avoid libel or jumping to conclusions before a trial.
PitfallThe allegation for the crime was false.The allegation of the crime was false.Use the preposition 'of' to connect the allegation to the specific act being claimed.
Borrowed from Middle French allégation, from Latin allegatio, from allegare. See allege.