questionable

[kwes-chuh-nuh-buhl]

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.

questionable

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• questionableness noun
• questionability noun
• questionably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of questionable¹

First recorded in 1580–90; question + -able

Example Sentences

Martin carried the can, but he didn't sign the players, he didn't hurl huge money, in Scottish terms, at players with, at best, questionable track records.

From BBC

Almost daily headlines here highlight instances of alleged graft, nepotism and other questionable behavior within Sheinbaum’s ruling circles.

From Los Angeles Times

As expected, some of Swift’s more questionable lyrics — many of which were exponentially funnier as clean versions — garnered some chuckles, and “Actually Romantic,” an alleged Charli XCX diss track, notably concluded without applause.

From Los Angeles Times

Byrne has played other mothers who make questionable decisions before, but “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” feels like a turning point for her.

From Los Angeles Times

He defended the military’s legally questionable actions against Venezuelan boats, dismissing international law in favor of what he called a more lethal approach to countering threats.

From Salon

Related Words

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