noun
allegation
al-uh-GAY-shun/ˌæləˈɡeɪʃn/
A claim that someone did something wrong, especially one not yet proved.
An investigator listens to an allegation without assuming it is true.
Etymology
The combined roots developed from sending or bringing forth to producing something in evidence. An allegation became a formal assertion in court, then more generally a claim of wrongdoing that may lack proof.
In context
the ostensible legal basis for the allegation that Israel is carrying out deliberate genocide in Gaza is unfounded
More examples
- The manager denies the allegation that she stole company funds.
- The newspaper refuses to publish unverified allegations.
- Do you have any evidence to support your allegation?
Forms
allegation · allegations
allege verb — To claim wrongdoing without proving it.
Similar words
- accusation
- More directly blames someone for wrongdoing, whether proved or not.
- claim
- Can concern any asserted fact, not just someone's wrongdoing.