doubtful

doubt·ful

adjective \ˈdau̇t-fəl\

Definition of DOUBTFUL

1

: giving rise to doubt : open to question <it is doubtful that they ever knew what happened>

2

a : lacking a definite opinion, conviction, or determination <they were doubtful about the advantages of the new system>

b : uncertain in outcome : undecided <the outcome of the election remains doubtful>

3

: marked by qualities that raise doubts about worth, honesty, or validity <of doubtful repute>

— doubt·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

— doubt·ful·ness noun

Examples of DOUBTFUL

1. I tried to reassure them, but they remained doubtful.
2. The truth of the statements was doubtful.
3. Their decisions were based on data of doubtful accuracy.

First Known Use of DOUBTFUL

14th century

Related to DOUBTFUL

Synonyms

distrustful, dubious, hinky [slang], mistrustful, skeptical, suspicious, trustless, uncertain, unconvinced, undecided, unsettled, unsure, on the fence

Antonyms

certain, convinced, positive, sure

Related Words

ambivalent, conflicted, equivocal; diffident, insecure; halting, hesitant, indecisive, irresolute, vacillating, wavering

Near Antonyms

assured, confident, sanguine, self-assured; decisive, determined, resolute

Synonym Discussion of DOUBTFUL

doubtful, dubious, problematic, questionable mean not affording assurance of the worth, soundness, or certainty of something. doubtful implies little more than a lack of conviction or certainty <doubtful about whether I said the right thing>. dubious stresses suspicion, mistrust, or hesitation <dubious about the practicality of the scheme>. problematic applies especially to things whose existence, meaning, fulfillment, or realization is highly uncertain <whether the project will ever be finished is problematic>. questionable may imply no more than the existence of doubt but usually suggests that the suspicions are well-grounded <a man of questionable honesty>.