WordGarden.ioallegation
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌælɪɡˈeɪʃən/
US
- /ˌæləˈɡeɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
a claim that someone did something wrong, often without proof
a formal claim stated in a legal complaint or pleading
Beyond the definition
An allegation is a statement claiming that someone has done something wrong—usually without proof. Think of it like pointing a finger and saying "They did it!" but needing evidence to back it up. It is often used in serious contexts, like legal cases or investigations. You might hear about allegations of fraud, misconduct, or criminal activity. A newspaper might report on allegations made against a politician, meaning claims that haven't been proven true yet.
Imagine a detective investigating a robbery. Witnesses might make allegations against a suspect they saw near the scene, but those are just claims until evidence confirms them. It's important to remember that an allegation isn't proof; it's simply what someone asserts has happened.
An allegation is a claim or assertion that something negative or wrong has been done by someone. It is a formal way of saying someone accuses another person, but crucially, an allegation doesn't necessarily mean the accusation is true. It is a statement made without proof, awaiting investigation and verification.
The word often carries weight in legal and official contexts. You will hear it frequently in news reports about investigations: "Police are investigating allegations of corruption within the city council." Or in court proceedings: "The defendant denied all allegations made against him." It is a careful term used because simply saying something happened isn't the same as proving it did.
Allegations can range from minor offenses to serious crimes. Someone might make an allegation that their neighbor stole a package, or they might allege that a company engaged in fraudulent practices. The severity of the allegation doesn't change its fundamental nature—it remains an unproven claim until substantiated with evidence.
It is important to be mindful when using the word "allegation." Using it correctly acknowledges that a claim hasn't been proven, protecting both the accuser and the accused from premature judgment. So, if you hear about an allegation, remember it is a statement needing further scrutiny—a story waiting for its evidence to come to light.
Examples
- 1
Denial
He denied the allegation that he had copied the report.
- 2
Fraud investigation
Police are investigating an allegation of fraud at the charity.
- 3
Sports accusation
Several allegations were made against the coach during the season.
- Patternmade against + person
formally said about what that person did
- 4
Journalism
The newspaper repeated the allegation without checking the facts first.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
School investigation
It was a serious allegation, so the school had to look into it carefully.
- 6
Legal status
So far, the allegation has not been proven in court.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- make an allegation
- serious allegation
- allegation of misconduct
- deny the allegation
Word family
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Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- allegationnoun
Forms
- allegationspluralnoun