# alleging

/əˈɫɛdʒɪŋ/ (US) · /ɐlˈɛdʒɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/alleging
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. claiming without proof

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal · Academic

saying that someone has done something wrong or illegal, even though it is not yet proven.

For teachers: asserting as a matter of fact that something is the case, typically a wrongdoing or crime, before formal proof has been established.

- The newspaper is alleging that the politician took money from the company.
- The prosecution is alleging that the defendant systematically falsified financial records over a three-year period to evade corporate taxes.

Usage: Often used in the present participle form ('alleging') in news reports to avoid legal liability before a court verdict.

Teaching tip: This is a high-frequency word in journalism and legal contexts; it allows a speaker to report an accusation without stating it as an absolute fact.

## 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.

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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.