unfounded belief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unfounded belief" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a belief or idea that is not supported by evidence or facts. Example: The accusation against the politician was based on unfounded beliefs and not backed up by any concrete evidence.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Perhaps that misreading led to the otherwise unfounded belief that Habakkuk is the work's subject.

The New Yorker

And then there's the unfounded belief that composting wasted food solves the problem entirely.

The Guardian

And as Mrs. Bachmann's comments show, some still adhere to the scientifically unfounded belief that vaccinations are linked to mental disorders.

The New York Times

As Canadians alone remember, the province of Quebec, in two referendums, did, or came close to doing, the same thing with the same unfounded belief.

The New Yorker

From then on, any effect that unfounded belief in the effectiveness of the technique had in terms of increasing disclosures is likely to disappear.

The Guardian

His completely unfounded belief that he can succeed, that he will overcome all obstacles, becomes the badge that certifies his innocence.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

However, a return to old-style religion is also an inferior solution, for that would represent a withdrawal into the obsolete and unfounded beliefs of the past.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As they swirled around my feet I moved forward, and with every step I felt the coil of unfounded beliefs, ungrounded frustrations, and unending despair tightening around my chest and arms".

The Guardian - Books

We hear stories about home-schooled, unvaccinated friends being disinvited from birthday parties because it's simply ceased to be socially acceptable for someone to let their unfounded beliefs endanger their neighbors and their kids.

The Guardian - Tech

"This patient's tattooed DNR request produced more confusion than clarity, given concerns about its legality and likely unfounded beliefs that tattoos might represent permanent reminders of regretted decisions made while the person was intoxicated," the paper's authors wrote.

The Washington Post

We tend to give priority to our own interactions with and feelings for the person we are called upon to judge, and since people are usually consistent in their behavior toward us, we form unfounded beliefs in the stability of their dispositions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics, clarify that a belief is "unfounded" to avoid unintentional endorsement. This shows objectivity and promotes critical thinking.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the consequences of an "unfounded belief" without evidence. Clearly distinguish between the belief itself and its potential effects, ensuring your claims are proportional and well-supported.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfounded belief" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "unfounded" modifies the noun "belief". It typically serves to describe a particular type of belief that lacks a solid basis in evidence or reason. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unfounded belief" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a conviction or idea that lacks evidence or factual support. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, to challenge or discredit unsupported claims. When using this phrase, be mindful of its negative connotation and avoid overstating the impact of the belief without proper evidence. Alternatives like "baseless assumption" or "groundless conviction" can offer similar meanings with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

baseless assumption

Emphasizes the lack of any foundation or support for the assumption.

groundless conviction

Highlights that the conviction has no solid ground or justification.

unsubstantiated claim

Focuses on the absence of evidence to support the claim.

unsupported notion

Indicates the notion lacks backing or validation.

tenuous theory

Suggests the theory is weak and easily refuted.

implausible idea

Emphasizes the idea's unlikeliness or incredibility.

indefensible position

Highlights the inability to defend the position due to lack of merit.

unsustainable argument

Indicates the argument cannot be maintained or justified.

flimsy pretext

Suggests the pretext is weak and easily seen through.

specious reasoning

Emphasizes that the reasoning appears correct but is actually fallacious.

FAQs

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

You can use "unfounded belief" to describe an idea or conviction that lacks evidence or factual support. For example, "The conspiracy theory is based on "unfounded belief" and speculation."

What are some alternatives to saying "unfounded belief"?

Alternatives include "baseless assumption", "groundless conviction", or "unsubstantiated claim". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "unfounded belief" and "superstition"?

"Unfounded belief" is a general term for any belief lacking evidence. "Superstition" is a specific type of unfounded belief often related to luck, fate, or supernatural causes.

Is it always negative to describe something as an "unfounded belief"?

Yes, describing something as an "unfounded belief" typically carries a negative connotation, as it implies the belief is not based on reason or evidence and is therefore likely to be incorrect or misleading.