doubtful

[dout-fuhl]

adjective

1. of uncertain outcome or result.

   Synonyms: problematic, dubious, indecisive, unsettled, undetermined
   Antonyms: certain

2. admitting of or causing doubt; uncertain; ambiguous.

   Synonyms: indeterminate, unsure
   Antonyms: certain

3. unsettled in opinion or belief; undecided; hesitating.

   Synonyms: hesitant, vacillating, irresolute

4. of equivocal or questionable character.

   His tactics are highly doubtful.

   Synonyms: shady

doubtful

/ ˈdaʊtfʊl /

adjective

1. unlikely; improbable

2. characterized by or causing doubt; uncertain

   a doubtful answer

3. unsettled; unresolved

4. of questionable reputation or morality

5. having reservations or misgivings

6. (of a sportsperson) not likely to be fit enough to play or take part

noun

1. a person who is undecided or uncertain about an issue

2. a sportsperson who is not likely to be fit enough to play or take part

Usage

See doubt.

It was formerly considered correct to use whether after doubtful (it is doubtful whether he will come), but now if and that are also acceptable

Other Word Forms

• doubtfully adverb
• doubtfulness noun
• predoubtful adjective
• predoubtfully adverb
• quasi-doubtful adjective
• quasi-doubtfully adverb
• undoubtful adjective
• undoubtfully adverb
• undoubtfulness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of doubtful¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, doubtful is from the Middle English word douteful. See doubt, -ful

Synonym Study

Doubtful, dubious, incredulous, skeptical imply reluctance or unwillingness to be convinced. To be doubtful about something is to feel that it is open to question or that more evidence is needed to prove it: to be doubtful about the statements of witnesses. Dubious implies vacillation, unsureness, or suspicion: dubious about suggested methods of manufacture. Incredulous means unwilling or reluctant to believe: incredulous at the good news. Skeptical implies a general disposition to doubt or question: skeptical of human progress.

Example Sentences

Dodgers catcher Will Smith has a hairline fracture in his right hand and is doubtful to return before the end of the regular season, according to manager Dave Roberts.

From Los Angeles Times

While she hopes the new legacy framework will deliver answers, she remains doubtful.

From BBC

It was doubtful before he got the position and now it is firmly confirmed that he is the wrong person for the job.

From BBC

They are especially concerned about immigration, they are doubtful about many equalities policies, and they are more inclined to be sceptical about climate change.

From BBC

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is doubtful for the match at Anfield as a result of a shoulder injury suffered in the victory against Leeds.

From BBC

Related Words

• debatable 
• dicey 
• dubious 
• hazy 
• indecisive 
• insecure 
• precarious 
• problematic 
• suspicious 
• uncertain 
• undecided 
• uneasy 
• unsettled 
• unstable 
• unsure