View synonyms for

doubtful

[ dout-fuhl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

of uncertain outcome or result.
Synonyms: , , , ,
Antonyms:
admitting of or causing doubt; uncertain; ambiguous.
Synonyms: ,
Antonyms:
unsettled in opinion or belief; undecided; hesitating.
Synonyms: , ,
of equivocal or questionable character:
His tactics are highly doubtful.
Synonyms:

doubtful

/ ˈ�岹ʊ�ٴ�ʊ�� /

adjective

unlikely; improbable
characterized by or causing doubt; uncertain
a doubtful answer
unsettled; unresolved
of questionable reputation or morality
having reservations or misgivings
(of a sportsperson) not likely to be fit enough to play or take part

noun

a person who is undecided or uncertain about an issue
a sportsperson who is not likely to be fit enough to play or take part

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Usage Note

See doubt.

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Usage

It was formerly considered correct to use whether after doubtful (it is doubtful whether he will come), but now if and that are also acceptable

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Derived Forms

ˈ��ǳܲ��ٴڳܱ��Ա��, noun
ˈ��ǳܲ��ٴڳܱ��, adverb

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Other Word Forms

��ǳܲ��f�ܱ�·�� adverb
��ǳܲ��f�ܱ�·�Ա�� noun
��·��ǳܲ��f�ܱ� adjective
pre·��ǳܲ��f�ܱ�·�� adverb
��ܲ��ȴ��-��ǳܲ��f�ܱ� adjective
quasi-��ǳܲ��f�ܱ�·�� adverb
�ܲ�·��ǳܲ��f�ܱ� adjective
un·��ǳܲ��f�ܱ�·�� adverb
un·��ǳܲ��f�ܱ�·�Ա�� noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of doubtful¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, doubtful is from the Middle English word douteful. See doubt, -ful

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Synonym Study

Doubtful, dubious, incredulous, skeptical imply reluctance or unwillingness to be convinced. To be doubtful about something is to feel that it is open to question or that more evidence is needed to prove it: to be doubtful about the statements of witnesses. Dubious implies vacillation, unsureness, or suspicion: dubious about suggested methods of manufacture. Incredulous means unwilling or reluctant to believe: incredulous at the good news. Skeptical implies a general disposition to doubt or question: skeptical of human progress.

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

He added that “it is not lost on me how close I was to death,” echoing details from his interview with THR, including that doctors were doubtful he would speak or walk again.

From

It seems doubtful they can turn around this malaise in time for the visit of champions Northampton on 11 May, with two more games - away at Harlequins, home to Sale - to complete a torrid campaign.

From

It is indeed extremely doubtful if any permanent benefit comes to the world through such action.

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It’s doubtful that those floor-length red robes and white-winged bonnets will ever become a thing, especially since the highest “liberation day” tariffs have been slapped on some of the world’s biggest textile producers.

From

While Mr Ricks said he thought it may encourage some companies to relocate some manufacturing, he was doubtful it would also create hundreds of billions in additional revenue for the US promised by President Trump.

From

Related Words

doubt doubting Thomas

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