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

Calls to address the issue of stock trading have gained momentum amid a surge in questionable trades by lawmakers.

From Barron's

While Good’s death is filling headlines, there have been dozens of other instances where immigration officers’ use of force has been questionable.

From Los Angeles Times

Then she pulled on her questionable feathered bonnet and headed for the door.

From Literature

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

Related Words

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