ungrounded
|un-ground-ed|
/ʌnˈɡraʊndɪd/
lacking a base or foundation
Etymology
'ungrounded' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'grund' where 'grund' meant 'bottom, foundation', combined with the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not'.
'ungrounded' developed from Middle English formations using the prefix 'un-' + 'ground' (from Old English 'grund'), eventually becoming the modern adjective 'ungrounded'.
Initially related to the literal sense of 'not on the ground' or 'not having a physical ground', the meaning broadened to include 'not having a basis or foundation' in an abstract or logical sense.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
(Transformation) Past participle form of 'unground' (to remove grounding or to release from being grounded).
After maintenance the aircraft was ungrounded and cleared to fly.
Adjective 1
not supported by facts or sound reasoning; without a valid basis; baseless.
The accusation was completely ungrounded and caused unnecessary harm.
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Adjective 2
not physically connected to the earth or to an electrical ground; not earthed (electrical).
An ungrounded appliance can be dangerous if a short circuit occurs.
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Adjective 3
lacking practical foundation or real-world experience; not rooted in reality.
Her theory felt ungrounded in practical concerns and was hard to apply.
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Last updated: 2025/11/09 03:57