unproven

adjective

un·​prov·​en ˌən-ˈprü-vən How to pronounce unproven (audio)
British also -ˈprō-
Synonyms of unprovennext
: not tested and shown to be good, true, or useful : not proven
an unproven allegation/theory
unproven benefits
unproven technology

Examples of unproven in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The offense is filled with playmakers, although the team’s usual strength is the most unproven group on that side of the ball. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026 Last month’s vote by a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel to ease peptide accessibility restrictions has sparked debate over the safety of this unproven class of therapeutics. — Lyndon Haviland, Washington Post, 14 Aug. 2026 The rest of the group, which includes Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Ashton Gillotte (out with injury), rookie R Mason Thomas and Tyreke Smith, is largely unproven. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026 In the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, the death toll had climbed to 200, thousands had become sick and the president was touting unproven treatments. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unproven

Word History

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unproven was in 1563

Rhymes for unproven

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Unproven.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unproven. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Legal Definition

unproven

adjective
un·​prov·​en
ˌən-ˈprü-vən
: not proven
an unproven allegation

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