allegation
A formal claim or statement that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically one made without proof. It is widely used in legal and journalistic contexts to describe accusations that have not yet been verified by a court of law.
Examples
3 of 5She made an allegation that her neighbor was purposely damaging her fence.
She made an allegation that her neighbor was purposely damaging her fence.
The government has launched an inquiry into the allegation of corruption within the police force.
The government has launched an inquiry into the allegation of corruption within the police force.
Did you hear the allegation about the lead singer leaving the band?
Did you hear the allegation about the lead singer leaving the band?
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'Allegation' as an 'All-E-Gation' (All Evidence Gone/missing), because it is a claim that lacks proof at the moment it is made.
Quick Quiz
The company's reputation suffered after a serious ___ of bribery was made against the board members.
Correct!
The correct answer is: allegation
Examples
She made an allegation that her neighbor was purposely damaging her fence.
everydayShe made an allegation that her neighbor was purposely damaging her fence.
The government has launched an inquiry into the allegation of corruption within the police force.
formalThe government has launched an inquiry into the allegation of corruption within the police force.
Did you hear the allegation about the lead singer leaving the band?
informalDid you hear the allegation about the lead singer leaving the band?
Sociological research indicates that the frequency of an allegation often correlates with institutional instability.
academicSociological research indicates that the frequency of an allegation often correlates with institutional instability.
The HR department is investigating an allegation of harassment filed by a junior employee.
businessThe HR department is investigating an allegation of harassment filed by a junior employee.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
face allegations
face allegations
deny the allegation
deny the allegation
sweeping allegations
sweeping allegations
Often Confused With
An accusation is a general claim of wrongdoing, while an allegation is often more formal and implies the claim is yet to be proven.
An allegation is a claim of a crime; a conviction is a formal declaration by a court that someone is guilty.
Usage Notes
Use this word when discussing legal matters or news reports where a crime is suspected but not yet proven to avoid potential libel or defamation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often try to use 'allegation' as a verb (e.g., 'He allegationed me'); instead, use the verb form 'allege' or the phrase 'make an allegation'.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Allegation' as an 'All-E-Gation' (All Evidence Gone/missing), because it is a claim that lacks proof at the moment it is made.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'allegatio', derived from 'allegare', which means to send a message or to bring forward as evidence.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking legal systems, the principle of 'innocent until proven guilty' requires media outlets to use the word 'allegation' to describe charges against a defendant.
Quick Quiz
The company's reputation suffered after a serious ___ of bribery was made against the board members.
Correct!
The correct answer is: allegation
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
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