Words / B2

ak-yoo-ZAYSHUN/ˌækjuˈzeɪʃn/

An accusation is a claim that someone has done something wrong: an accusation of theft, face an accusation. Charge is closer in court; claim is everyday and weaker; allegation is a close news-word cousin (unproven). Accuse is the verb. In speech, they said he did it is enough. An accusation can be false; do not treat the word as proof. Keep accusation of + wrong, not accusation for.

Meaning

A claim that someone has done something wrong.

Examples

• “He denied the accusation of cheating.”
• “The accusation of bias sat in the inbox for a week before anyone answered it.”
• “She rejected the accusation that the shortlist had been fixed in advance.”

Good to know

A claim of wrongdoing. accusation of + noun. Verb: accuse. Everyday: they said he did it. Close: allegation (unproven). Not proof.

Near in meaning

allegation

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