Word
baseless
Phoneticsbase·less, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbeɪsɫəs/
UK/bˈeɪsləs/
Definition
adj. not based on any facts or evidence. You use this to describe a claim or an idea that is completely untrue and has no proof.
adj. lacking a foundation in fact or evidence; groundless. Often used to describe accusations, rumors, or fears that have no empirical support.
Examples
“The company dismissed the rumors as completely baseless.”
“The politician claimed the allegations were baseless and intended only to damage his reputation during the election.”
“Legal experts argued that the lawsuit was entirely baseless, as the plaintiff failed to provide a single piece of evidence to support the claim of negligence.”
Examples
simple
“The company dismissed the rumors as completely baseless.”
contextual
“The politician claimed the allegations were baseless and intended only to damage his reputation during the election.”
complex
“Legal experts argued that the lawsuit was entirely baseless, as the plaintiff failed to provide a single piece of evidence to support the claim of negligence.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'be' or 'remain'.
Real-World Examples
“In addition, several candidates who lost their race for local office have embraced baseless conspiracy theories about election fraud and sued to overturn results.” Etymology
From base + -less.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/baseless