Word
alleging
Phoneticsal·leg·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈɫɛdʒɪŋ/
UK/ɐlˈɛdʒɪŋ/
Law
Definition
v. saying that someone has done something wrong or illegal, even though it is not yet proven.
v. asserting as a matter of fact that something is the case, typically a wrongdoing or crime, before formal proof has been established.
Examples
“The report is alleging fraud in the accounts.”
“The newspaper is alleging that the mayor accepted bribes from local contractors.”
“While the prosecution is alleging premeditated murder, the defense argues that the evidence points to a tragic accident rather than intentional harm.”
Examples
simple
“The report is alleging fraud in the accounts.”
contextual
“The newspaper is alleging that the mayor accepted bribes from local contractors.”
complex
“While the prosecution is alleging premeditated murder, the defense argues that the evidence points to a tragic accident rather than intentional harm.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and often appears in the progressive form when the claim is not yet proven.
Pitfall
alleging about the crime
alleging the crime
Allege is transitive and does not take the preposition 'about'.
Real-World Examples
“Earlier that year, others had also sent tips to police alleging he was “grooming minors”.” “Four states are suing the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, alleging that the platforms were designed to hook kids and that Meta hid the mental health risks.” Synonyms
Antonyms
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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- Formal, Academic
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