Words / B1

al-uh-GAYSHUN/ˌæləˈɡeɪʃn/

An allegation is a claim of wrongdoing that is not yet proved: deny an allegation; allegations of fraud. Allege is the verb (already in the dictionary). Accusation is close; a finding or a conviction is after proof. News writing often says alleged to avoid libel. Do not treat an allegation as a fact in an exam essay.

Meaning

A claim that someone has done something wrong, which is not yet proved.

Examples

• “The minister denied the allegation of taking undeclared gifts.”
• “The minister denied the allegation and promised a full statement.”
• “Allegations of exam leakage led to a police inquiry, not an automatic cancellation.”

Good to know

deny / face an allegation; allegations of + noun. Verb: allege. After proof: finding / conviction. Not a proven fact.

Near in meaning

claim

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