controversial

American  

[kon-truh-vur-shuhl] / ˌkɒn trəˈvɜr ʃəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of controversy, or prolonged public dispute, debate, or contention; polemical.

   a controversial book.

2. subject to controversy; debatable.

   a controversial decision.

   Synonyms:

   questionable, arguable

3. given to controversy; argumentative; disputatious.

   a controversial public figure.

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Usage

What does controversial mean? Controversial is used to describe someone or something that causes people to get upset and argue. Controversial is the adjective form of the noun controversy, which is a prolonged dispute, debate, or state of contention, especially one that unfolds in public and involves a stark difference of opinion. Things commonly called controversial include topics, actions, and people (particularly for what they say and do). Example: Questions about the candidate’s controversial remarks from the past prevented him from talking about his campaign.

Other Word Forms

• controversialism noun
• controversialist noun
• controversially adverb
• noncontroversial adjective
• noncontroversially adverb
• precontroversial adjective
• uncontroversial adjective
• uncontroversially adverb

Etymology

Origin of controversial

First recorded in 1575–85; from Late Latin contrōversiālis; equivalent to controversy + -al ¹

Explanation

If a politician ran for office on the platform that children should be put to work from age six, his platform is likely to be controversial, meaning it will cause controversy, or a long discussion among people with opposing opinions. Controversies are usually public disagreements about important matters. The adjective controversial is from the Latin from controversus "disputed," formed from the prefix contra- "against" plus versus, from vertere "to turn." The Latin suffix –ialis, corresponding to the English suffixes –ial and –al, means "relating to or characterized by."

Example Sentences

"Sometimes, reexamining controversial fossils with new techniques reveals tiny clues that lead to really exciting discoveries."

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

The rapper, who has tried to move beyond his controversial past, is to perform during all three days of Wireless Festival in London.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Cameroon's President Paul Biya, the world's oldest leader, is set to get a vice-president for the first time in his four-decade rule following controversial constitutional changes backed by parliament.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

But just because a topic is controversial doesn’t mean that it should be dismissed.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

The first minority candidate ever elected to the board, her tenure had been as stirring as it was controversial.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger

Related Words

• contentious
• disputed
• dubious
• questionable