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questionable

questionable

162 3.9
Probably not true or trustworthy
  • adjective
  • /ˈkwɛs.tʃə.nə.bəl/
: cuestionable
  • You have made some very questionable decisions in your life.
  • highly questionable
  • ethically questionable
  • questionable assumptions

This is another very questionable scene in this book.

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Examples

Synonyms

uncertain
vsquestionable
145 2.8

Not known for sure and likely to change

adds possible suspicion or unsafety beyond mere indecision
problematic
vsquestionable
137 5.6

Hard to deal with and often not clear

focuses more on doubt about truth or honesty rather than difficulty
dubious
vsquestionable
88 6.5

Not clearly true or trustworthy and causing doubt

is more general uncertainty, not always implying clear suspicion
unreliable
vsquestionable
78 4.1

Not able to be trusted to work or be right

focuses more on doubt and possible dishonesty or unsafety
doubtful
vsquestionable
54 3.0

Not likely to be true or real

is broader doubt that can include unsafety or unsuitability
iffy
vsquestionable
  • Informal
25 8.1

Not certain or reliable

is a more formal or broader doubt about honesty or safety
dodgy
vsquestionable
  • UK
21 8.2

Likely to be unsafe or untrustworthy

is a general doubt that can include risky or unsafe sense
untrustworthy
vsquestionable
20 4.8

Not honest or reliable with promises

is wider, including simple uncertainty or potential unsuitability
disputable
vsquestionable
2 6.6

Open to argument or doubt

expresses general doubt including possible dishonesty or unsafety
a bit sketchy
vsquestionable
  • Informal
1 8.6

A little suspicious and not easy to trust

is the broader, more neutral expression of doubt or unsafety
unconfirmable
vsquestionable
1 7.0

No one can prove it is true or provide evidence

covers broader doubt including safety or honesty concerns
problematical
vsquestionable
1 7.7

Uncertain and open to doubt or disagreement

is more likely to imply unreliability or unsuitability as well
untrusty
vsquestionable
  • Archaic
1 8.9

Not safe to depend on because they may fail or betray you

is less specific, covering doubt about truth, safety, or honesty
unauthoritative
vsquestionable
1 7.7

Not accepted as official or trusted as correct

is broader doubt that can imply dishonesty, danger, or unsuitability

Antonyms

342 2.7

Able to be trusted to do what is expected

286 1.0

Sure to happen or be true

87 2.1

A person or thing you can depend on to be honest

Clearly true so no one can doubt it

How Doubtful

suspicious
261 2.7
questionable
162 3.9
doubtful
54 3.0
uncertain
41 3.9
plausible
137 7.2
certain
286 1.0

Surface Forms

questionable positive
questionabler comparative
questionablest superlative

Morphology

questionable = question (transparent) = question + able

The adjective is a regular derivation from the verb 'question' with the productive suffix '-able', meaning 'able to be questioned' or 'open to doubt'.

Etymology

The word questionable comes from question ('an asking') and the ending -able ('able to be'). So it literally means 'able to be questioned', which is why something questionable is open to doubt or may not be honest.