an unfounded worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unfounded worry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a concern or fear that lacks a basis in fact or reality. Example: "Her anxiety about the project was just an unfounded worry, as everything was on track."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is an unfounded worry, since the U.S. government has stated that it won't target individual musicians but will only focus on "commercial traffickers".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

That is not an unfounded concern.

The New York Times

The question is, then, should we put a party in power based solely on the vaguely hysterical, largely unfounded worry that they could have been?

The Guardian - Opinion

But since she also told Rose the judge wouldn't even ask her about the "boyfriend," it seems the intent was not to encourage perjury, but to allay a teenager's unfounded worries about the purpose of a particular judicial hearing.

Huffington Post

WHAT were some "unfounded" worries this reporter had about what people might say and write about her friend?

The New York Times

There are inherent conflicts, second-guessing, unfounded worries over what others may think, and more.

Huffington Post

This is an unfounded comment.

The New York Times - Magazine

Because it was an unfounded finding.

The Guardian

This is clearly not an unfounded fear.

The Guardian - Books

It's an unfounded prejudice, they say.

The New York Times - Sports

But, as he relates here, it was an unfounded assumption.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing someone's fears, use "an unfounded worry" to gently reassure them that their concerns lack a solid basis, providing specific reasons to alleviate their anxiety.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of "an unfounded worry". Presenting it as a minor, easily dismissed concern can be more reassuring than treating it as a significant issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unfounded worry" functions as a noun phrase, with 'unfounded' modifying 'worry'. It attributes a quality of baselessness or lack of foundation to the concern. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

9%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unfounded worry" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a concern or fear lacking a factual basis. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correctness and usability, primarily noting its prevalence in news and media contexts. While not exceedingly common, its use is appropriate across diverse registers, typically employed to reassure or correct misperceptions. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide evidence against the worry, avoiding any dismissive tone. Consider /s/baseless+fear or /s/unjustified+concern as alternatives to add variety to your writing. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, mastering the nuances of such phrases enhances clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a baseless fear

Replaces 'unfounded worry' with 'baseless fear', emphasizing the lack of foundation for the fear.

an unjustified concern

Substitutes 'unfounded worry' with 'unjustified concern', highlighting the lack of justification for the concern.

a groundless apprehension

Replaces 'unfounded worry' with 'groundless apprehension', suggesting the anxiety has no real basis.

a needless anxiety

Substitutes 'unfounded worry' with 'needless anxiety', implying the anxiety is unnecessary.

a misplaced fear

Replaces 'unfounded worry' with 'misplaced fear', suggesting the fear is directed at the wrong thing or is inappropriate.

a false alarm

Replaces 'unfounded worry' with 'false alarm', implying the worry was triggered by incorrect information.

a phantom menace

Substitutes 'unfounded worry' with 'phantom menace', suggesting the threat is imaginary.

a specious concern

Replaces 'unfounded worry' with 'specious concern', highlighting the apparent but not genuine nature of the concern.

an idle fear

Substitutes 'unfounded worry' with 'idle fear', suggesting that the fear is without purpose or effect.

a gratuitous concern

Replaces 'unfounded worry' with 'gratuitous concern', stressing that the concern is excessive and uncalled for.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe a worry as "an unfounded worry"?

Describing a worry as "an unfounded worry" means that the concern lacks a factual basis or logical justification. It implies that the worry is not supported by evidence or reason.

How can I reassure someone that their concerns are "an unfounded worry"?

To reassure someone, gently explain why their worry is likely /s/baseless+fear using logic and evidence. Provide specific reasons or examples that contradict their concern.

What's a more formal alternative to "an unfounded worry"?

More formal alternatives include /s/unjustified+concern or "a groundless apprehension". These phrases convey the same meaning with a slightly more elevated tone.

Is it ever appropriate to dismiss someone's feelings by calling their worry "an unfounded worry"?

While the phrase itself isn't inherently dismissive, it is important to be sensitive to the other person's feelings. Always acknowledge their concern before explaining why it might be /s/needless+anxiety.