Dictionary
doubtful
adjective doubt·ful \ˈdau̇t-fəl\
: uncertain or unsure about something
: not likely to be true : not probable
: likely to be bad : not worthy of trust
Full Definition of DOUBTFUL
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
See doubtful defined for English-language learners
See doubtful defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of DOUBTFUL
14th century
Related to DOUBTFUL
- Synonyms
- distrustful, dubious, hinky [slang], mistrustful, skeptical, suspicious, trustless, uncertain, unconvinced, undecided, unsettled, unsure, on the fence
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 <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>.
DOUBTFUL Defined for Kids
doubtful
adjective doubt·ful \ˈdau̇t-fəl\
Definition of DOUBTFUL for Kids
1
: undecided or unsure about something <I'm doubtful we'll make it on time.> <Minli was a little doubtful about riding the dragon. — Grace Lin, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon>
2
: not likely to be true <a doubtful claim>
3
: not likely to be good <doubtful quality>
4
: not certain in outcome <a doubtful future>
— doubt·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
Learn More About DOUBTFUL
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: doubting maniaPrevious Word in the Dictionary: doubtedlyAll Words Near: doubtful
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up doubtful? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).