contentious

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "contentious" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective, often used to describe a situation or a person who can be easily provoked to argue, debate, or dispute about a topic of discussion. Example sentence: "The professor's lecture sparked a contentious debate among the students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The minister added that mining billionaire Andrew Forrest's review into Indigenous disadvantage was an "incredible document" but the government wasn't ready to implement its most contentious proposal – that all Australians receiving welfare should have their spending managed by government.

The Guardian

A second way to reduce the impact of harriers on grouse – a method of forced migration known as brood management – proved more contentious.

The Guardian

The policies are not the only contentious measures within Northern Territory alcohol management plans.

The Guardian

The disproportionate power of the executive to stifle debate is a widely recognised shortcoming of the Dáil, most starkly illustrated by Kenny's recent refusal to permit a free vote among his party colleagues on the contentious matter of abortion.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Financial Times reported that sections of the bill had been completed before the election, but the contentious issue of media ownership was left blank for fear that moguls such as Rupert Murdoch would take offence.

The Guardian

The second, in the 74th minute, was perhaps more contentious, when Grant Leadbitter appeared to foul Arter as he ran through into the area.

The Guardian - Sport

With the budget facing a profound backlash from voters, state premiers and the Senate crossbench, government ministers over the past few days have signalled some willingness to negotiate on a couple of the budget's highly contentious measures: the education changes and the medical co-payments.

The Guardian

Still, in some cases the reasons why particular species are vanishing remains complex, contentious, and even downright baffling.

The Guardian

The Cuban Picassos, he told me, have not developed relationships with their European cousins, despite the fact that his own father went to Spain in 2000 for the premiere of the documentary and the European branch of the family, which has its own contentious ties, was present.

The Guardian - Arts

In the passage which became contentious, he said: "In their minds, the murderers and accomplices of Germany, and Poland, and Hungary, and so many, many other places didn't do something evil".

The Guardian

Hunt said he would allow the contentious dredging program for three proposed terminals at the Abbot Point port near the town of Bowen.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contentious" when you want to emphasize that an issue or topic is likely to cause disagreement or argument. It's suitable for describing debates, policies, or decisions that are expected to be met with opposition.

Common error

Avoid using "contentious" when describing situations that are simply complex or challenging but not inherently prone to disagreement. Opt for words like "complex" or "difficult" instead to maintain neutrality.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "contentious" is as an adjective. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, as demonstrated by numerous examples where it modifies nouns, describing subjects prone to argument or controversy. It effectively characterizes the nature of a situation or topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contentious" is a versatile adjective used to describe something likely to cause argument or disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage as an adjective. Its prevalence in News & Media highlights its role in discussing debatable topics, while its presence in Formal & Business and Science demonstrates its broader applicability. When writing, remember to reserve "contentious" for situations genuinely prone to dispute, and use synonyms like "controversial" or "disputed" for subtle variations in meaning. The abundance of examples confirms its status as a frequently used and well-understood term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

controversial

Emphasizes the potential to cause public disagreement or offense.

disputed

Focuses on the state of being challenged or questioned.

divisive

Highlights the tendency to cause disagreement or separation.

debatable

Highlights the quality of being open to discussion and argument.

disputable

Emphasizes the quality of being open to doubt or question.

contestable

Stresses the possibility of being disputed or challenged.

polemical

Suggests a strong, often aggressive, attack on or defense of a particular opinion.

argumentative

Describes a person or situation prone to arguing.

litigious

Implies a tendency to engage in lawsuits or legal disputes.

thorny

Indicates a problem or issue that is complex and difficult to resolve.

FAQs

How is "contentious" typically used in a sentence?

The word "contentious" is used to describe something that is likely to cause disagreement or argument. For example: "The new policy proved to be a "contentious" issue within the company."

What are some synonyms for "contentious"?

Alternatives to "contentious" include "controversial", "disputed", "debatable", and "argumentative". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "contentious" in formal writing?

Yes, "contentious" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing issues or topics that are subject to debate or disagreement. It maintains a professional and descriptive tone.

What's the difference between "contentious" and "controversial"?

"Contentious" implies a high likelihood of argument or debate, while "controversial" suggests something that causes strong public disagreement or disapproval. A topic can be both, but "controversial" often carries a stronger negative connotation.