questionable

American  

[kwes-chuh-nuh-buhl] / ˈkwɛs tʃə nə bəl /

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.

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questionable British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• questionability noun
• questionableness noun
• questionably adverb

Etymology

Origin of questionable

First recorded in 1580–90; question + -able

Example Sentences

But unlike Koepka, Canter was not previously a PGA Tour member so it is questionable as to whether his case provides a true precedent.

From BBC

In some cases, the diagnoses were questionable or inaccurate, the Journal reported.

From The Wall Street Journal

Hampton, listed as questionable, said he’s planning to play against the Patriots.

From Los Angeles Times

Stabile said the legally questionable nature of Maduro’s capture will no doubt be a factor in the criminal proceedings ahead, with his defense team likely to argue that his detention is unlawful.

From Los Angeles Times

The Korean Medical Association, the country’s largest physicians group, called coverage of hair-loss treatment “questionable” given the health system’s stretched finances.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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