unverified
Not yet checked to see if it is true.
Unverified means not checked or confirmed to be true or accurate. When information is unverified, no one has taken the time to investigate whether it's actually correct. An unverified rumor about a snow day might spread through school, exciting everyone, but until the principal makes an official announcement, it remains just an exciting possibility.
Scientists treat unverified claims carefully. If someone claims they've discovered a new species of butterfly, other scientists need to verify it by examining the evidence, checking measurements, and confirming the discovery follows proper procedures. Until then, the discovery remains unverified.
Online, unverified information spreads quickly. Someone might share an unverified story about a celebrity or an unverified fact about history. People may pause before believing or sharing such information, knowing that just because something sounds true or appears in print doesn't make it accurate.
The opposite of unverified is verified, meaning checked and confirmed. Your parents might require verification of your friend's address before driving you there. Banks verify your identity before letting you access an account. Verification turns uncertainty into confidence, which is why careful people treat unverified information with healthy skepticism.