# unsubstantiated

/ˌənsəbˈstænʃiˌeɪtɪd/ (US) · /ʌnsəbstˈænʃɪˌeɪtɪd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unsubstantiated
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

describing a claim or story that has no proof or evidence to support it. You use this when someone says something, but you cannot show that it is true.

For teachers: lacking evidence or proof to support a claim. Often used to describe allegations or rumors that remain unverified by facts or data.

## Examples

- The police ignored the unsubstantiated rumors about the suspect.
- The board of directors dismissed the unsubstantiated claims of financial fraud after a full audit found no evidence of wrongdoing.
- While the whistleblower's initial allegations were unsubstantiated, the subsequent investigation revealed a systemic failure in the company's internal compliance protocols.

---

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.