debatable

[dih-bey-tuh-buhl]

adjective

1. open to question; in dispute; doubtful.

   Whether or not he is qualified for the job is debatable.

   Synonyms: disputable, arguable, dubious, questionable

2. capable of being debated.

debatable

/ dɪˈbeɪtəbəl /

adjective

1. open to question; disputable

2. law in dispute, as land or territory to which two parties lay claim

Other Word Forms

• nondebatable adjective
• undebatable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of debatable¹

1425–75; late Middle English < Middle French. See debate, -able

Example Sentences

The notion that Mr. Mamdani, born in Uganda and expensively educated on America’s East Coast, can authentically represent a country he’s never lived in is debatable.

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Whether an avid hunter with poor eyesight posed no danger to anyone was debatable, in Penelope’s view.

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The merits of stock splits are debatable now that fractional trading has become commonplace.

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There's no doubt that Celtic is full of people who want the best for the club, but Desmond's line about "further progress in Europe" is highly debatable.

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The series has never swept an awards ceremony, but it's debatable whether it ever tried to.

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Related Words

• arguable 
• doubtful 
• dubious 
• moot 
• problematic 
• questionable 
• uncertain