unfounded assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

"unfounded assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a conclusion that lacks valid evidence to support it. For example, "The conclusion that John was responsible for the accident was based on an unfounded assumption."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

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

Independent

They base themselves upon an unfounded assumption as to what basically constitutes contact with, and the perception of, the supernatural".

The New Yorker

Such sensationalism creates real damage as it reinforces an unfounded assumption that mosques across the UK are a problem in our society".

The Guardian

The Court’s apparent fear that following the Constitution in this case will provide petitioners a “windfall” in the amount of transaction costs saved is based on the unfounded assumption that the State must return the interest directly to petitioners.

Cornell University

In dissent, Justice Kagan wrote that she was confident that "the majority's decision — founded as it is on an unfounded assumption — would have no real-world meaning or application".

The New York Times

An unfounded assumption perhaps when more than 1.3m women and girls play football - more than any other sport in the UK.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Don't be patronising or make unfounded assumptions.

The Guardian - Sport

This study was roundly rejected after its modelling was exposed as grounded in numerous unfounded assumptions.

The Times

Moreover, the plaintiff must make that showing through concrete proof: "[S]peculative" risks, "unfounded assumptions," and "unsupported statements" will not suffice.

Harvard University

Lawyers for Wilpon and Katz have derided and dismissed Picard's interpretation of the episode, saying it is just one example of his making unfounded assumptions and conclusions.

The New York Times - Sports

Co-authors catch the things you can't remove by yourself: your blind spots, your stylistic tics, your unfounded assumptions, your implicit biases, your inelegance, your vagueness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before drawing conclusions, ensure you have concrete evidence. Avoid relying on gut feelings or hearsay, as these can lead to basing your arguments on an "unfounded assumption".

Common error

A common mistake is to assume that because two things are related, one causes the other. This can lead to building an argument on an "unfounded assumption" that a causal relationship exists when it may not.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfounded assumption" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "unfounded" modifies the noun "assumption". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It typically serves to identify a belief or premise that lacks a factual or logical basis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

28%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unfounded assumption" is a commonly used phrase that denotes a belief or premise lacking evidence or justification. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and appropriate in various written contexts. It appears frequently in news, academic and scientific publications, highlighting its role in critical discourse. When employing this phrase, it's essential to ensure the assertion of "unfounded" is itself substantiated to maintain credibility. Alternatives such as "baseless presumption" or "groundless supposition" may be used depending on the specific nuance desired. Avoiding reliance on such assumptions is crucial for clear and logical argumentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

baseless presumption

Replaces "assumption" with "presumption", implying a belief taken for granted without proof, and "unfounded" with "baseless", indicating no factual basis.

groundless supposition

Substitutes "assumption" with "supposition", suggesting a tentative belief, and "unfounded" with "groundless", emphasizing the lack of a solid foundation.

unjustified belief

Replaces "assumption" with "belief", a more general term for conviction, and "unfounded" with "unjustified", focusing on the lack of sufficient reason.

unsubstantiated claim

Shifts from assumption to a "claim", indicating an assertion that needs evidence, and uses "unsubstantiated" to highlight the lack of supporting facts.

unsupported inference

Replaces "assumption" with "inference", highlighting a conclusion drawn from evidence, and uses "unsupported" to indicate the lack of sufficient evidence.

fallacious premise

Replaces "assumption" with "premise", referring to a basis for reasoning, and uses "fallacious" to indicate a flawed or deceptive nature.

tenuous hypothesis

Replaces "assumption" with "hypothesis", denoting a tentative explanation, and uses "tenuous" to suggest a weak or shaky basis.

flimsy conjecture

Replaces "assumption" with "conjecture", implying a guess or speculation, and uses "flimsy" to indicate a lack of substance or strength.

unwarranted conclusion

Replaces "assumption" with "conclusion", suggesting a judgment or decision reached after consideration, and uses "unwarranted" to indicate a lack of justification.

specious reasoning

Shifts the focus to the process of reasoning, using "specious" to indicate that it appears correct but is actually fallacious.

FAQs

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

You can use "unfounded assumption" to describe a belief or idea that lacks a solid basis or evidence. For example, "His argument was based on the "unfounded assumption" that all teenagers are irresponsible."

What can I say instead of "unfounded assumption"?

You can use alternatives like "baseless presumption", "groundless supposition", or "unjustified belief" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "unfounded assumption" or "unfounded assumption"s?

"Unfounded assumption" is generally used in the singular to refer to a single unsupported belief. "Unfounded assumptions" is the plural form, used when referring to multiple unsupported beliefs.

What's the difference between "unfounded assumption" and "unproven theory"?

An "unfounded assumption" is a belief taken without sufficient evidence. An "unproven theory" is a proposed explanation that hasn't been rigorously tested or confirmed.