a dubious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dubious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is questionable, uncertain, or not to be trusted. Example: "The scientist presented a dubious theory that lacked sufficient evidence to support its claims."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Is it a dubious endeavor?

The New York Times

"A dubious distinction," Pooley laughs.

The Guardian

It's a dubious argument.

The New York Times

That was a dubious choice of gift.

The Economist

Again, this is a dubious claim.

The New York Times

That was a dubious bet at best.

The New Yorker

It seems a dubious proposition.

The Guardian - Books

I've got a dubious job.

The New Yorker

That is a dubious proposition.

The Guardian - Opinion

This seems a dubious idea.

The New York Times

His father, Morris Gershovitz, was a dubious patriarch.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with abstract nouns like "distinction", "honor", "claim", or "proposition" for maximum impact in formal essays or reports.

Common error

Do not use "a dubious" when you simply mean that something has more than one meaning. "Dubious" specifically implies that the quality or truth of something is in doubt, whereas "ambiguous" implies a lack of clarity in communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dubious" serves as an adjective phrase consisting of an indefinite article and an adjective. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to qualify a noun by indicating that the subject is of questionable value, truth, or reliability. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it frequently modifies abstract nouns to signal a critical or skeptical stance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a dubious" is a powerful linguistic tool for any writer looking to express nuanced skepticism. As demonstrated by Ludwig AI, it is an exceptionally common and grammatically correct construction favored by the world's most respected editorial voices. Whether you are highlighting "a dubious distinction" in a news report or critiquing "a dubious assumption" in a scientific paper, this phrase allows you to signal doubt with precision and professional poise. Its versatility across media, science, and business contexts makes it a staple for high-register English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a questionable

Directly suggests that the subject is open to doubt or challenge.

a suspect

Implies a stronger feeling of potential dishonesty or danger.

a doubtful

Focuses more on the lack of certainty or likelihood of success.

a debatable

Moves the focus toward a subject being open to argument or discussion.

an ambiguous

Suggests a lack of clarity rather than necessarily a lack of trust.

a problematic

A broader term suggesting something is full of difficulties or contradictions.

a shady

Much more informal and strongly implies unethical behavior.

a fishy

An idiomatic, colloquial way to express that something seems wrong.

an uncertain

More neutral, focusing purely on a lack of knowledge or predictability.

a skeptical

Describes the person's attitude rather than the object's quality.

FAQs

How do I use "a dubious" in a sentence?

You can use it to qualify a noun that you find untrustworthy. For example: "The company made "a dubious claim" about the product's safety."

What can I say instead of "a dubious"?

Depending on the level of formality, you might use alternatives such as "a questionable", "a suspect", or "a doubtful".

Is "a dubious" formal enough for academic writing?

Yes, it is highly appropriate for academic and professional contexts. It is frequently found in peer-reviewed journals and prestigious news outlets like The New Yorker.

What is the difference between "a dubious" and "a skeptical"?

The phrase "a dubious" usually describes an object or statement (e.g., "a dubious argument"), while "a skeptical" describes a person or their mindset (e.g., "a skeptical researcher").