Word
unconfirmed
Phoneticsun·con·firmed, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌənkənˈfɝmd/
UK/ʌnkənfˈɜːmd/
Definition
adj. describing information that people think might be true but has not been proven yet. You use this when a story or fact lacks official proof.
adj. not yet verified or validated by an authoritative source. Often used in journalistic contexts to describe reports that lack official corroboration.
Examples
“The news of the merger remains unconfirmed.”
“Despite several unconfirmed reports on social media, the police have not yet released the names of the suspects.”
“The editor decided to hold the story until the morning, as publishing unconfirmed rumors could damage the newspaper's reputation for accuracy and journalistic integrity.”
Examples
simple
“The news of the merger remains unconfirmed.”
contextual
“Despite several unconfirmed reports on social media, the police have not yet released the names of the suspects.”
complex
“The editor decided to hold the story until the morning, as publishing unconfirmed rumors could damage the newspaper's reputation for accuracy and journalistic integrity.”
Usage
Typically used as a predicative adjective after linking verbs like 'remain' or 'be', or as an attributive adjective before nouns like 'reports' or 'rumors'.
Real-World Examples
“But so far, there’s a lot of blurry photos and unconfirmed reports.” “There are unconfirmed reports that TPLF forces have launched attacks in the neighbouring regions of Afar and Amhara.” “Unconfirmed reports have suggested the guest list is likely to be cut from the 8,000 in 1953 to 2,000.” Etymology
From un- + confirmed.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/unconfirmed