questionable

[kwes-chuh-nuh-buhl]

adjective

1. of doubtful propriety, honesty, morality, respectability, etc..

   questionable activities; in questionable taste.

   Antonyms: certain

2. open to question or dispute; doubtful or uncertain.

   a statement of questionable accuracy.

   Synonyms: dubious, dubitable, controvertible, disputable, debatable

3. open to question as to being of the nature or value suggested.

   a questionable privilege.

questionable

/ ˈkwɛstʃənəbəl /

adjective

1. (esp of a person's morality or honesty) admitting of some doubt; dubious

2. of disputable value or authority

   a questionable text

Other Word Forms

• questionably adverb
• questionableness noun
• questionability noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of questionable¹

First recorded in 1580–90; question + -able

Example Sentences

Atlanta looks legit, even though Tampa didn’t play well and Minnesota’s questionable.

From Los Angeles Times

My husband’s assumption that Harley had brought down this bat seemed questionable — the dog never actually catches the moths — but my sympathy was definitely with the bat, which appeared stunned.

From Los Angeles Times

The EY records said Tetra Tech filed time sheets for unapproved costs, without sufficient supporting information, with questionable or excessive hours, with digital alterations that increased hourly rates, and without proper supervisor approvals.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's impossible not to be moved by the real-life audio recording that is the centerpiece of Kaouther Ben Hania's hybrid film, but the ethics and execution of the concept are questionable," he wrote.

From BBC

Courts also said it was questionable whether the forgone fitness hearing, as his trial lawyer suggested, would have resulted in any action.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ambiguous 
• arguable 
• controversial 
• debatable 
• dubious 
• problematic 
• suspicious 
• unproven 
• vague