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

Some Republicans have cited this answer by Mr Comey as potentially false because they say it has been disputed by his FBI deputy at the time, Andrew McCabe.

From BBC

Meta has disputed the research and its findings, saying its protections have led to teens seeing less harmful content on Instagram.

From BBC

India keeps a large troop presence in Ladakh, which includes disputed border areas with China.

From BBC

The phrase, of disputed origin, is used to suggest a commonality between people of all creeds and races, a suggestion that people are all the same under the skin.

From BBC

At a recent House hearing, Mr Discaya admitted to paying kickbacks to lawmakers - "We couldn't do anything but play along with them" - but the Congressmen disputed his allegation.

From BBC

Related Words

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