an unfounded concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unfounded concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a worry or fear that lacks a basis in fact or evidence. Example: "The committee dismissed the complaints as an unfounded concern that did not reflect the reality of the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Burges's report on the possible reconstruction was delivered in 1872 but building was delayed until 1875, in part because of the pressure of works at Cardiff Castle and in part because of an unfounded concern on behalf of the Marquess's trustees that he was facing bankruptcy.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some parents did their best to make their children overweight, often due to an influence of older relatives or an irrational and unfounded concern: But we may think, and this is a constant nagging, you have these quite normal, or just slightly too chubby babies, which the parents are not happy with.

BMC Nursing

"They're just responding to unfounded concern," said John Walls, a spokesman for C.T.I.A., a wireless industry trade group.

The New York Times - Tech

The Kindle has eliminated my always unfounded concern that I will run out of book on a long trip.

The Economist

"Bacanovic offers no real basis for this unfounded concern about the jury".

The New York Times

But most often these are unfounded concerns or faulty assumptions driven by a fearful, tired or undirected mind.

Huffington Post

What has also been discussed is the supposedly unfounded concerns of the Persian Gulf states towards a rising Iran.

Huffington Post

The food company said in a statement that the noodles were completely safe, but explained that "recent developments and unfounded concerns about the product have led to an environment of confusion for the consumer".

Independent

Cannabis has been notably plagued with unfounded concerns of fentanyl contamination, which was explored in a 2017 VICE article.

Vice

"Monetary policymakers must also free themselves from unfounded concerns and take these necessary actions.

The Guardian - Business

In addition, she said, the opponents believe the labeling would heighten what they call unfounded concerns about the safety of genetically engineered crops.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an unfounded concern", ensure that the context clearly indicates why the concern lacks a factual basis or is not justified. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Be careful not to equate "unfounded" solely with irrationality. While an unfounded concern might be irrational, it can also stem from a lack of information or misunderstanding rather than purely emotional reasons. Address the root cause accordingly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unfounded concern" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "unfounded" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "concern". This phrase describes a specific type of concern—one that lacks a basis in fact or evidence, as Ludwig indicates.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unfounded concern" is a phrase used to describe a worry or fear that lacks a basis in fact or evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While it appears across various contexts, it's most common in news and media, as well as scientific sources. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in the context and avoid equating it solely with irrationality. Consider alternatives like "a baseless concern" or "an unwarranted concern" to fine-tune the nuance of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a baseless concern

Replaces "unfounded" with "baseless", emphasizing the lack of foundation for the concern.

an ungrounded concern

Uses "ungrounded" instead of "unfounded", highlighting the lack of a solid basis.

an unwarranted concern

Substitutes "unfounded" with "unwarranted", stressing the lack of justification for the concern.

an unsubstantiated concern

Replaces "unfounded" with "unsubstantiated", emphasizing the lack of evidence.

a groundless worry

Uses "groundless" and "worry" instead of "unfounded" and "concern", altering both adjective and noun.

a needless anxiety

Replaces "unfounded concern" with a phrase that focuses on the unnecessary nature of the anxiety.

an unjustified fear

Swaps "concern" for "fear" and "unfounded" for "unjustified", shifting the emotional intensity.

a misplaced worry

Replaces "unfounded" with "misplaced", suggesting the concern is directed at the wrong thing.

an illusory fear

Uses "illusory" instead of "unfounded", suggesting the fear is not real.

a chimerical apprehension

Employs more formal vocabulary to convey a similar meaning of a fanciful or unrealistic fear.

FAQs

How can I use "an unfounded concern" in a sentence?

You can use "an unfounded concern" to describe a worry or fear that has no basis in reality or evidence. For example: "The committee dismissed the complaints as "an unfounded concern" that did not reflect the reality of the situation."

What are some alternatives to "an unfounded concern"?

Alternatives to "an unfounded concern" include phrases like "a baseless concern", "an unwarranted concern", or "an unjustified fear", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "an unfounded concern" and "an exaggerated concern"?

"An unfounded concern" lacks any basis in reality, while "an exaggerated concern" is based on something real but is blown out of proportion. One is factually incorrect, and the other is a matter of degree.

Is it always negative to have "an unfounded concern"?

Yes, the term "an unfounded concern" generally carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the worry or fear is not justified and may be causing unnecessary stress or anxiety. It implies the concern should be dismissed or re-evaluated.