Ill-founded

Adjective. Describing an argument, belief, idea, or action that is based on unsound reasoning, inadequate evidence, or misguided premises. An ill-founded notion lacks a solid foundation, making it susceptible to refutation and critique. Such opinions are often regarded as unreliable or untrustworthy due to their flawed basis. In various contexts, ill-founded claims can lead to misunderstandings, misinformation, and poor decision-making, consequently affecting judgment and perception in social, academic, or professional environments.

Ill-founded meaning with examples

• The committee dismissed the proposal as ill-founded, arguing that it lacked empirical support and could potentially mislead the public if implemented without a thorough review. They highlighted the importance of grounding policies in researched facts rather than personal beliefs, emphasizing that decisions must be made based on reliable data to avoid negative consequences.
• She realized her initial enthusiasm for the project was based on several ill-founded assumptions about market demand. After conducting further research, she discovered the actual needs and preferences of her target audience, leading her to pivot her approach in a more informed direction that would resonate better with potential customers.
• In the debate, his opponent challenged several ill-founded claims regarding climate change, underscoring the importance of scientific consensus and peer-reviewed data. This highlighted the need for grounding discussions in factual evidence to ensure that opinions formed were not merely speculative or emotionally driven.
• The journalist faced backlash for publishing an article rife with ill-founded allegations against the local government. The publication ultimately issued a retraction, acknowledging that the information was not only inaccurate but also detrimental to public trust. This incident underscored the critical responsibility of media to provide well-founded reporting.
• Many of the misconceptions about the disease stemmed from ill-founded stereotypes and misinformation propagated on social media. Health professionals urged the public to rely on credible sources for their information to combat the negative effects of these baseless beliefs and promote a more accurate understanding of the illness.