debatable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'debatable' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a topic or issue that people have different opinions on and can be discussed. For example, You could say "The ethics of animal testing is a highly debatable topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Whether genuine equality under genuine government of, by and for the people could ever exist is, of course, debatable.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Analysis of the data concludes that the necessity of deficit reduction on the scale undertaken by the coalition is debatable; yet it is certainly the case the austerity agenda could have taken an alternative form – such as additional tax rises targeted on more affluent sections of society – in order to mitigate its impact on the most deprived groups.

The Guardian

Whether they enjoyed themselves subsequently is debatable, but they were undeniably chuffed at the Norwich gesture in lining up in the tunnel to applaud the losers off the field.

The Guardian - Sport

Their reputation in the country is something that can be debatable.

The Guardian

This is a highly debatable claim, given the raising of tax thresholds and tinkering with other taxes on the wealthy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whether it's worth the price is debatable, especially if you don't make a claim for a number of years.

The Guardian - Money

But these will always be difficult and debatable judgments.

The Guardian - Opinion

We could put 11 Germans at the top and be done with it, but part of football's appeal is its ability to remain both perfectly simple and deliciously debatable.

The Guardian - Sport

Perhaps the timing was right with Gary Ablett's premature seasonal exit taking the stuffing out of Gold Coast, but it's debatable the result would have been any different even with Gazza on the field.

The Guardian - Sport

Whether the nominations represent an upturn in the fortunes of guitar music is debatable.

The Guardian - Music

Demanding changes in spending on complementary medicines (whose efficacy is debatable) or advocating the benefits of an organic carrot, Charles' letters reveal a man taking his interests, however controversial, intensely seriously.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "debatable" to introduce different perspectives or angles to a topic, encouraging a more nuanced understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "debatable" when there is clear evidence or consensus on a topic. Overusing it can weaken your argument and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "debatable" functions to qualify a noun or idea as being open to argument, discussion, or question. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that there are differing viewpoints or a lack of conclusive evidence surrounding the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "debatable" is a versatile adjective used to express that a topic is open for discussion or argument. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and widely used. Its frequency in news and formal business contexts underscores its role in conveying uncertainty and inviting nuanced understanding. When using "debatable", provide context to support your assertion and be mindful of overstating uncertainty when evidence is clear. Related terms like "arguable", "disputable", and "questionable" offer similar nuances for expressing doubt or disagreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arguable

Similar to "debatable", it indicates that a point is open to argument or question.

disputable

Emphasizes the possibility of disagreement or challenge.

questionable

Suggests doubt or uncertainty about something.

controversial

Highlights that the topic is likely to cause disagreement or strong opinions.

uncertain

Indicates a lack of definiteness or reliability.

up for discussion

Directly states that the topic is open to debate.

open to question

Similar to "up for discussion", but may imply slightly more doubt.

in dispute

Highlights that there is an active disagreement.

under consideration

Implies that a topic is being thought about and evaluated, but not necessarily debated.

a matter of opinion

Suggests that the issue is subjective and based on personal views.

FAQs

How can I use "debatable" in a sentence?

You can use "debatable" to indicate that a statement or idea is open to discussion or disagreement. For example, "Whether that policy will succeed is "debatable"."

What are some alternatives to using the word "debatable"?

Alternatives include "arguable", "disputable", "questionable", and "controversial". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "highly debatable"?

Yes, saying something is "highly "debatable"" is grammatically correct and emphasizes the significant level of disagreement or uncertainty surrounding the issue.

What's the difference between "debatable" and "doubtful"?

"Debatable" suggests that an issue is open to discussion with valid arguments on both sides, while "doubtful" implies skepticism or uncertainty about a specific outcome or statement. Something might be "debatable" because it's "uncertain" but it's "doubtful" when you have a strong reason to disbelieve or mistrust it.