A theory that has not been proven or definitively confirmed through empirical evidence is often referred to as a "hypothesis" or a "speculative theory." In scientific terms, a hypothesis is a proposed explanation or idea that is based on limited evidence and requires further investigation and testing to determine its validity. It is a tentative explanation that serves as a starting point for scientific inquiry.
It's important to note that in scientific practice, a theory can have different meanings depending on the context. In everyday language, "theory" is often used to describe a guess or a speculation. However, in scientific terms, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation that has been extensively tested and supported by a substantial body of evidence. Theories in science are considered the most reliable and comprehensive explanations of natural phenomena.
Until a hypothesis is rigorously tested and supported by empirical evidence, it remains speculative and does not attain the status of a scientific theory. Scientists engage in experiments, observations, and data analysis to evaluate hypotheses and refine them into scientifically accepted theories.