is unfounded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is unfounded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a claim, belief, or accusation that lacks evidence or justification. Example: "The allegations made against the company are unfounded and have no basis in reality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This concern is unfounded.

The New York Times

That is unfounded.

The New York Times

This fear is unfounded.

The Economist

I think it is unfounded.

The Economist

Any such fear is unfounded.

The New York Times

Proponents say this fear is unfounded.

The New York Times

It is unfounded, ill-conceived, and illegal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet this huge fear is unfounded.

The Guardian

His conclusion that most Americans are anti-abortion is unfounded.

The New York Times

The doomsday talk from the industry is unfounded, he said.

The New York Times - Health

But some growth hormone experts say that worry is unfounded.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is unfounded" to directly and assertively dismiss claims or concerns that lack a solid foundation. Be sure to provide context or evidence to support your assertion.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "is unfounded" without explaining why the claim lacks merit. Simply stating that something is unfounded can come across as dismissive or arrogant. Always provide a brief explanation or supporting evidence to justify your assertion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unfounded" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun (often a claim, fear, or concern) and asserting that it lacks a factual or logical basis. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. The examples show it in sentences where the speaker or writer is dismissing a statement as untrue or unsupported.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is unfounded" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that asserts the lack of basis or justification for a claim, belief, or concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, its register is generally neutral, and it serves to refute or dismiss information assertively. When using the phrase, be certain to provide context or supporting evidence. Common alternatives include "is baseless", "is unsubstantiated", and "is unwarranted".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is without basis

Focuses on the absence of a foundational element.

is unsubstantiated

Highlights the lack of proof or evidence to support a claim.

is not justified

Emphasizes that there's no legitimate reason or excuse for something.

is lacking merit

Indicates that something is deficient in worth or quality.

is without merit

Similar to "lacking merit", but with a stronger emphasis on the absence of any value.

is unsupported

Highlights the absence of backing or validation.

is not valid

Asserts that something doesn't hold true or isn't sound.

is groundless

Similar to "without basis", but suggests a more extreme lack of foundation.

is unwarranted

Suggests that something is not deserved or justified in the given situation.

is fallacious

Highlights a flaw or error in reasoning or logic.

FAQs

How can I use "is unfounded" in a sentence?

You can use "is unfounded" to express that a claim, fear, or belief has no basis in fact or evidence. For example: "The rumor that the company is facing bankruptcy is unfounded".

What are some alternatives to "is unfounded"?

Alternatives include "is baseless", "is unsubstantiated", or "is unwarranted". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is unfounded" or "is not founded"?

"Is unfounded" is the more common and idiomatic expression. "Is not founded" is grammatically correct, but sounds less natural. It's better to use "is unfounded" in most contexts.

What does it mean when a concern "is unfounded"?

When a concern "is unfounded", it means that the worry or anxiety is not based on any real or logical reason. It's essentially a fear that "is baseless".