question mark

noun

1

a

: something unknown, unknowable, or uncertain

b

: someone (such as an athlete) whose condition, talent, or potential for success is in doubt

2

: a mark ? used in writing and printing at the conclusion of a sentence to indicate a direct question

Examples of question mark in a Sentence

The team's pitching is a big question mark this season.

Recent Examples on the Web

After being something of a question mark entering the NBA, Lendeborg’s shooting stroke has been perhaps his biggest asset. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 12 July 2026

Add the question marks surrounding Rodón to the fact that Fried (elbow bone bruise) doesn’t seem likely to return for at least a few more weeks. — Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 5 July 2026

With the Lakers prioritizing their future around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, the 41-year-old James faces question marks on what his market value and his role entails entering his 24th and possibly final NBA season. — Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Whether the episode amounted to anything beyond hearsay amid the ubiquitous sense of mass confusion and despair remains a question mark. — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for question mark

• disembark
• matriarch
• meadowlark
• patriarch
• watermark
• arc
• ark
• bark
• barque
• dark
• hark
• lark

Kids Definition

question mark

noun

: a punctuation mark ? used chiefly at the end of a sentence to indicate a direct question