# alleged

/əˈɫɛdʒd/ (US) · /ɐlˈɛdʒd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/alleged
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. asserted but not proven

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

used to describe a crime or a fact that people say is true, even though there is no proof yet.

For teachers: denoting a claim or action that is asserted without proof; frequently used in legal and journalistic contexts to avoid defamation.

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

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

## Examples

- The alleged thief was caught on camera.
- Police are investigating the alleged theft of several high-value paintings from the gallery last night.
- While the alleged perpetrator remains in custody, the prosecution must still present forensic evidence to substantiate the claims made by the primary witness during the initial hearing.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.