Unsubstantiated

Lacking sufficient evidence to support a claim or statement; not proven or verified. An unsubstantiated claim relies on assumptions, speculation, or incomplete information, and therefore cannot be considered reliable or factual. It often lacks the backing of credible sources, data, or verifiable evidence. It's important to approach unsubstantiated information with skepticism and seek corroboration before accepting it as true.

Unsubstantiated meaning with examples

• The journalist was criticized for publishing an article based on unsubstantiated rumors about the politician's personal life. The editor should have demanded more evidence before running the story, as it risked damaging the politician's reputation with conjecture and hearsay.
• Many of the allegations against the company were dismissed in court due to the lack of any unsubstantiated evidence. The prosecution's case failed to provide any concrete proof that the company was engaging in illegal activities, relying instead on conjecture.
• During the investigation, the police had to discard a lot of information that was coming from anonymous sources, because all the claims that were made were unsubstantiated. There was no way to verify the accuracy of the tips, so they couldn't be used as leads.
• The scientist cautioned against widespread panic about the new virus strain, as the early reports of its lethality were unsubstantiated. Further research and clinical trials were needed before any definitive conclusions could be made, but this initial alarm was not based in fact.