ENGLISH
REFERENCE

alleged

adj.
US //əˈɫɛdʒd// UK //ɐlˈɛdʒd// al·leged
  1. 1 asserted but not proven (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Law

    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.

    Example

    The alleged thief was seen running away from the shop before the police arrived.

    Example

    The newspaper was careful to refer to him as the alleged accomplice until the jury delivered a final verdict in the high-profile case.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it describes.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a vital word for news reporting to avoid accusing someone of a crime before a court decides they are guilty.
    Pitfall
    The 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.

Word family

© 2026 English Reference