controversial

[kon-truh-vur-shuhl]

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.

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of controversial¹

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

Example Sentences

Changes to Runyon Canyon Park have long drawn pushback from neighbors, enough so that residents in 2016 halted construction of a controversial basketball court in the park.

From Los Angeles Times

Last week Qualifications Wales paused the most controversial part of the original shake-up plans, which was to scrap separate science GCSEs in biology, chemistry and physics from September 2026.

From BBC

Indonesia has scrapped some of the financial incentives for lawmakers, like the controversial housing allowance, as well as overseas trips.

From BBC

The very existence of Lilith Fair was controversial when it was operational, and the documentary airs many of the objections McLachlan and her team were up against.

From Salon

One of the most controversial points in the debate over the framework was how to fairly but equitably place students in math.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• contentious 
• disputed 
• dubious 
• questionable 

When To Use

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.