Groundless Meaning
/ˈɡɹaʊndləs/Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adjWithout any grounds to support it; baseless.
adjBottomless; having no bottom or floor.
Sentence Examples
They are always believing a groundless rumor.
The rumor turned out to be groundless.
The fact is that the rumor is groundless.
CEFR Practice Quiz
His fears about the test were ____ because he had studied well.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The accusations made against the mayor proved to be completely ____, as there was no evidence to support them.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English groundles (“bottomless”), from Old English grundlēas, from Proto-Germanic *grundulausaz, equivalent to ground + -less. Cognate with Dutch grondeloos, German Low German grundlos, German grundlos, Danish grundløs, Swedish grundlös.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"[B]e the consequences what they may, they shall not move an inch, nor a hair's-breadth from the ground of their groundless spiritual independence, […]"
— 1840, Lewis Rose, chapter III, in An Humble Attempt to Put an End to the Present Divisions in the Church of Scotland, and to Promote Her Usefulness. […] , Glasgow: George Gallie, →OCLC, page 51:
"At that stage any fears among home fans of a possession monopoly by Laudrup's side were proving groundless, with Cardiff having their fair share of the ball and territory."
— 2013 November 3, Delme Parfitt, “Cardiff City 1 - 0 Swansea City: Steven Caulker heads Bluebirds to South Wales derby win”, in Wales Online:
Explore More C2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
His fears about the test were ____ because he had studied well.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The accusations made against the mayor proved to be completely ____, as there was no evidence to support them.