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

At the time Bondi apparently sought to redirect questioning by a congressional panel charged with overseeing her department’s work toward a discussion of the U.S. equities market, the Dow indeed was riding high.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

"More AI," said one viral Threads post, questioning why his cup remained full after a large sip.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

But in August 2013, a group of researchers, led by Irving Weissman of the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at Stanford University, published a paper questioning the legitimacy of Ratajczak’s claim.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

"I was questioning and doubting myself more than I ever had," she tells BBC News.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

I try to stop questioning myself, or thinking about how to phrase things, and let myself talk.

From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan

Related Words

• examination