doubtful

[dout-fuhl]

adjective

1. of uncertain outcome or result.

   Synonyms: problematic, dubious, indecisive, unsettled, undetermined
   Antonyms: certain

2. admitting of or causing doubt; uncertain; ambiguous.

   Synonyms: indeterminate, unsure
   Antonyms: certain

3. unsettled in opinion or belief; undecided; hesitating.

   Synonyms: hesitant, vacillating, irresolute

4. of equivocal or questionable character.

   His tactics are highly doubtful.

   Synonyms: shady

doubtful

/ ˈdaʊtfʊl /

adjective

1. unlikely; improbable

2. characterized by or causing doubt; uncertain

   a doubtful answer

3. unsettled; unresolved

4. of questionable reputation or morality

5. having reservations or misgivings

6. (of a sportsperson) not likely to be fit enough to play or take part

noun

1. a person who is undecided or uncertain about an issue

2. a sportsperson who is not likely to be fit enough to play or take part

Usage

See doubt.

It was formerly considered correct to use whether after doubtful (it is doubtful whether he will come), but now if and that are also acceptable

Other Word Forms

• doubtfully adverb
• doubtfulness noun
• predoubtful adjective
• predoubtfully adverb
• quasi-doubtful adjective
• quasi-doubtfully adverb
• undoubtful adjective
• undoubtfully adverb
• undoubtfulness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of doubtful¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, doubtful is from the Middle English word douteful. See doubt, -ful

Synonym Study

Doubtful, dubious, incredulous, skeptical imply reluctance or unwillingness to be convinced. To be doubtful about something is to feel that it is open to question or that more evidence is needed to prove it: to be doubtful about the statements of witnesses. Dubious implies vacillation, unsureness, or suspicion: dubious about suggested methods of manufacture. Incredulous means unwilling or reluctant to believe: incredulous at the good news. Skeptical implies a general disposition to doubt or question: skeptical of human progress.

Example Sentences

They are especially concerned about immigration, they are doubtful about many equalities policies, and they are more inclined to be sceptical about climate change.

From BBC

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is doubtful for the match at Anfield as a result of a shoulder injury suffered in the victory against Leeds.

From BBC

When Netflix announced plans for a live-action remake of a beloved anime series, it was met with doubtful and even divided fans.

From BBC

But were Moscow to channel its ground forces in any different direction, it is doubtful whether they would make any better progress.

From BBC

But Ruth Gregory, deputy chief UK economist at Capital Economics, said it was doubtful the country "will maintain this pace of growth" between July and September.

From BBC

Related Words

• debatable 
• dicey 
• dubious 
• hazy 
• indecisive 
• insecure 
• precarious 
• problematic 
• suspicious 
• uncertain 
• undecided 
• uneasy 
• unsettled 
• unstable 
• unsure