doubtful

adjective doubt·ful \ ˈdau̇t-fəl \

|Updated on: 21 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: doubtful in a Sentence

Definition of doubtful

1 : giving rise to doubt or uncertainty : open to question

It is doubtful that they ever knew what happened.

a doubtful premise

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

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doubtfully

play \-fə-lē\ adverb

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doubtfulness

noun

See doubtful defined for English-language learners

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Examples of doubtful in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of doubtful from the Web

Others, including the county’s Registrar of Voters, are doubtful.

— j. harry jones, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Backers of county development initiative may not make deadline," 14 June 2018
But this is a team that had a 15-19 record in late December and the ability to even qualify for the playoffs was doubtful.

— bob ford, Philly.com, "Sixers' good isn't good enough against Celtics in NBA playoffs | Bob Ford," 10 May 2018
However, stakes are high and some observers are doubtful the two sides can bridge the gap created by 60 years of antagonism and suspicion.

— ben westcott, CNN, "Kim Jong Un steps into South Korean territory for historic peace summit," 26 Apr. 2018
Speaking to Sky Sports, Nicholas was doubtful that Arsenal would be able to overcome the 1-1 draw and come away from Spain with a good result.

— SI.com, "Charlie Nicholas Doubtful of Arsenal's Europa League Chances Ahead of Wanda Metropolitano Clash," 2 May 2018
His availability for Opening Day is doubtful, though (video by Jeff Wilson).

— stefan stevenson, star-telegram, "Rangers' Tim Lincecum 'itching' to return but will have to wait until May 28 | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 15 Apr. 2018
Interim coach Jay Triano said Devin Booker (hand), Josh Jackson (quad), Alan Williams (knee), Elfrid Payton (knee) are all out and that Marquese Chriss (hip) is doubtful.

— scott bordow, azcentral, "Game Day: Phoenix Suns short-handed for final game of season vs. Dallas Mavericks," 10 Apr. 2018
That many victims of lynch mobs were guilty of the crimes of which they were accused is also true, but that robbery or burglary called for death by hanging is doubtful.

— arthur hart, idahostatesman, "In 19th century, lynchings were often debated in Idaho’s newspapers | Idaho Statesman," 6 Apr. 2018
An upset is doubtful, but the Raiders needs to take care of the ball, because SFA leads the nation in steals per game.

— joe sullivan, BostonGlobe.com, "A preview of Thursday’s NCAA Tournament games," 14 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'doubtful.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of doubtful

see ¹doubt

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

doubtful Synonyms

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.