Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Doubtful or open to doubt: Describes something that is not certain, reliable, or clearly true, and therefore invites questioning or skepticism.
   • Morally suspect or of dubious character: Describes something, such as behavior or a person's reputation, that is possibly dishonest, improper, or unethical.

Usage and Examples

• General Use (Doubtful):
  • The accuracy of his statement is questionable. (It is not certain if his statement is accurate.)
  • They made a questionable decision to invest all their savings. (The wisdom of their decision is doubtful.)
• Use (Morally Dubious):
  • The company was involved in questionable business practices. (The practices were ethically suspect.)
  • He has a questionable reputation among his peers. (His reputation is not good and is viewed with suspicion.)

Advanced Usage

• "of questionable origin": Having a source that is not known for sure and may be improper or illegal.
  • The museum decided not to purchase the artifact because it was of questionable origin.
• "questionable judgment": The quality of making decisions that are not sound or wise.
  • Driving in that storm showed questionable judgment.

Variants and Related Words

• Questionably (adverb): In a doubtful or dubious manner.
  • The funds were questionably allocated.
• Question (noun/verb): The root word, meaning an inquiry or to ask about something.
• Unquestionable (adjective): The direct opposite, meaning certain, indisputable, or beyond doubt.

Synonyms

• Doubtful: Uncertain or not convinced.
• Dubious: Hesitating or doubting; of questionable value or truth.
• Debatable: Open to discussion or argument.
• Suspect: Not to be relied on or trusted; possibly dangerous or false.

Antonyms

• Unquestionable: Not able to be doubted or questioned.
• Certain: Known for sure; established beyond doubt.
• Indisputable: Unable to be challenged or denied.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• "A questionable character": A person whose honesty or morality is doubtful.
  • I wouldn't trust him with money; he's a bit of a questionable character.
• "Leave something questionable": To make something uncertain or doubtful.
  • The new evidence left his entire testimony questionable.

Adjective

1. able to be refuted
2. subject to question
   • questionable motives
   • a questionable reputation
   • a fire of questionable origin