© 2026 Sloth Lingo. Learn easy. Lounge wisely.

unsubstantiated

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: //ʌnˈsʌb.stæn.ʧ.eɪ.tɪd//

KK: /ʌnˌsʌb.stæn.ʧeɪ.tɪd/

adjective
Definition

Not supported by evidence or proof; lacking confirmation.


Example

The claims made in the report were unsubstantiated and could not be verified.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear the latest rumors about the project?
Sloth B
Yeah, but I think most of them are just unsubstantiated gossip.
Sloth A
Exactly, it’s hard to take anything seriously without proof.
Sloth B
Right! I prefer to wait for official news before believing any of it.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
unproven
unsupported
groundless
Antonyms
substantiated
proven
validated
Root Explanation

Unsubstantiated → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not), "substantiate" (from Latin "substantiare", meaning to establish or give substance to), and the suffix "-ed" (indicating a past participle). The word means not having been established or given substance, often referring to claims or assertions that lack evidence.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') giving 'substance' ('substantiate') to something — when something is unsubstantiated, it means it lacks the necessary evidence or foundation.

Visually Confused Words
insubstantiate
substantiate
untransubstantiated
consubstantiate
transubstantiate
substantiative
desubstantiate
supersubstantiate
Is this page helpful?