questioning

American  

[kwes-chuh-ning] / ˈkwɛs tʃə nɪŋ /

adjective

1. indicating or implying a question.

   a questioning tone in her voice.

2. characterized by or indicating intellectual curiosity; inquiring.

   an alert and questioning mind.

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noun

1. an inquiry or interrogation.

questioning British  

/ ˈkwɛstʃənɪŋ /

adjective

1. proceeding from or characterized by a feeling of doubt or uncertainty

2. enthusiastic or eager for philosophical or other investigations; intellectually stimulated

   an alert and questioning mind

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Other Word Forms

• half-questioning adjective
• half-questioningly adverb
• questioningly adverb
• unquestioning adjective

Etymology

Origin of questioning

First recorded in 1795–1805; question + -ing ², -ing ¹

Example Sentences

With the Commodity Futures Trading Commission shedding staff at its flagship Chicago office, lawmakers are questioning the agency’s ability to regulate burgeoning markets tied to cryptocurrencies and event contracts.

From Barron's

Her review, published in 2024, was commissioned by NHS England after it saw a sharp rise in referrals for patients questioning their gender.

From BBC

I’ve never broken a quadruple promise before, but one hour into our first job and I’m questioning why I thought caring for three children was a smart idea.

From Literature

Right at the end of the day, Mr Justice Nicklin scolded Sherborne and said he was treating his questioning like a public inquiry.

From BBC

“We expect investors to continue questioning execution and credibility until management provides an update on material weaknesses,” Lee wrote.

From Barron's

Related Words

• examination