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

CBs remain a question mark Brents, who has been sidelined for an undisclosed reason recently, has been the Dolphins’ best cornerback. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026

The Dodgers, back-to-back World Series champions, entered the weekend leading up to the Major League Baseball trade deadline with several major question marks, despite their massive payroll. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026

There’s a big question mark regarding Beal’s health after he was limited to a career-low six games last regular season with the Los Angeles Clippers before a hip fracture in November ended his season early. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026

DuPont's guidance is another question mark hanging over the earnings release. — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 4 Aug. 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