disputed

[dih-spyoo-tid]

adjective

1. argued or debated about.

   Just when and where the religious practice of the “camp meeting” originated is a disputed question.

2. argued against; called into question.

   He stood by his widely disputed claim that margarine is better for you than butter.

3. quarreled or fought over; contested.

   As negotiations continue, the security situation in the disputed territories is tense and shows signs of escalating.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of dispute.

Other Word Forms

• undisputed adjective
• undisputedly adverb
• well-disputed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disputed¹

First recorded in 1605–15; dispute ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses; dispute ( def. ) + -ed ¹ ( def. ) for the verb sense

Example Sentences

At a hearing in July last year, the MoD admitted that it had a duty of care to former personnel, having disputed this in earlier legal action.

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He acknowledges this and affirmed that “after spending a lot of time in Hollywood, nobody has disputed this characterization.”

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Bellamy denied and disputed the allegations and was not the subject of any disciplinary proceedings, but did issue a statement at the time saying he was "truly sorry" if he had offended anyone.

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In 2023, Azerbaijan recaptured the disputed region, and virtually the entire Armenian population fled their homes.

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In each of the decisions, Roberts said Congress had not clearly authorized the disputed regulations.

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Related Words

• debatable 
• moot 
• unchallenged 
• undecided 
• undetermined 
• unnoticed 
• unsettled