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

• questionableness noun
• questionability noun
• questionably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of questionable¹

First recorded in 1580–90; question + -able

Example Sentences

The shift has provided oratorical firepower, along with a questionable legal rationale, for the deadly “narco-terrorist” boat strikes, now numbering 14, in both the Caribbean and Pacific.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But whether that’s enough to overcome the company’s evident financial headwinds remains questionable.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Across social media, users dug up Allen’s past offenses: Twitter rows with rapper Azealia Banks, one-sided kisses with Zoë Kravitz and other questionable behavior from Allen’s long life in the public eye.

Read more on Salon

Nick Mathison, of the Alliance Party, said there is "questionable judgement" around Paul Givan attending the trip due to it being paid for by Israel.

Read more on BBC

At the time, James was listed as “questionable” on the injury report.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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