# unproven

/ənˈpɹuvən/ (US) · /ʌnpɹˈuːvən/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unproven
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

not having been shown to be true or correct yet. You use this to describe a theory or a medicine that has not been tested enough to be certain.

For teachers: not having been established as true or valid through evidence or testing. Often used to describe scientific hypotheses or medical treatments that lack sufficient empirical support.

## Examples

- The new medicine is still unproven.
- Scientists are testing the theory, but it remains unproven until more data is collected.
- While the initial results were promising, the treatment remains unproven and is currently only available to patients participating in a controlled clinical trial.

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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.