Main Entry: doubt·ful

Pronunciation: \ˈdau̇t-fəl\

Function: adjective

Date: 14th century

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

synonyms 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>.