unproven

Everyday

Unproven means not shown to be true; there is not yet enough evidence or proof. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, an idea that has not been tested is unproven; scientists need evidence from experiments before they call it true. In everyday life, adverts may make unproven claims, so children learn to ask «how do we know?». Phrases: «unproven claim», «unproven idea», «remains unproven».

Examples

• The advert made unproven claims about the drink. tree →
• The idea is still unproven until we test it. tree →
• Ghost stories are unproven. tree →
• Scientists look for evidence to test unproven ideas. tree →
• That cure is unproven and may not be safe. tree →
• His story was unproven because no one saw it happen. tree →

Note

Adjective; also spelt «unproved». Unproven does not mean false; it means we do not know yet. Opposite: «proven».