alleged
- 01 C1 Advanced
used to describe a crime or a fact that people say is true, even though there is no proof yet.
denoting a claim or action that is asserted without proof; frequently used in legal and journalistic contexts to avoid defamation.
Simple“The alleged thief was seen running away from the shop before the police arrived.”
In context“The newspaper was careful to refer to him as the alleged accomplice until the jury delivered a final verdict in the high-profile case.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun it describes.
Teacher's tipThis is a vital word for news reporting to avoid accusing someone of a crime before a court decides they are guilty.
PitfallThe alleged of the crime was arrested. The alleged criminal was arrested.Alleged is an adjective and must describe a noun; it cannot be used as a noun itself.
Usage alleged incident · alleged corruption · alleged sexual
“He said that the alleged US support included the supply of intelligence.”
“Icac is investigating whether McInerney arranged and approved illegal donations from the governing body for 600 Catholic schools to support alleged branch stacking efforts of the Christian factional group the Reformers.”