disputable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'disputable' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is open to argument or debate. For example: The origin of the phrase is still disputable.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And though its methods are disputable, few dispute the justice of its cause.

The Economist

The Central Intelligence Agency has carried that line of argument even further, putting on its payroll some of the most disputable members of Mr. Karzai's government.

The New York Times

The claim is disputable, however, specifically because Edison's motion-picture operations were entrusted to an assistant, W.K.L. Dickson, and generally because there are several plausible pre-Edison claimants in England and France.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Early Pythagorean achievements in mathematics are unclear and largely disputable, and the following is therefore a compromise between the widely divergent views of scholars.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Because Picardy was never unified in the feudal period, its boundaries are disputable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the early 1930s W.H. Auden was acclaimed prematurely by some as the foremost poet then writing in English, on the disputable ground that his poetry was more relevant to contemporary social and political realities than that of T.S. Eliot and William Butler Yeats, who previously had shared the summit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Moreover, the claim that economic interdependence automatically ameliorates the chances of conflict is disputable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is a disputable point – incomes have become slightly more equal in the past few years, while the evidence on the distribution of wealth is mixed – and the Prime Minister disputed it.

Independent

More disputable are those cases where the author shelters under a pseudonym in order to dodge a real or imagined prohibition on what they wish to say, because of who they are.

Independent

(Whether there was a more general westward diaspora of Magi, members of the Persian religious caste, is disputable).

Encyclopedia Britannica

These claims were disputable, but the great strength and wide geographical spread of communist organization was a fact.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disputable", ensure that you provide context or evidence to support why the statement is open to debate. This adds credibility to your argument and encourages critical thinking.

Common error

Avoid using "disputable" for statements that are already widely known to be uncertain or subjective. Instead, reserve it for situations where the uncertainty may not be immediately apparent.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "disputable" functions to qualify nouns, indicating that the noun's validity, accuracy, or truth is open to question or debate. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

31%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disputable" is a versatile adjective used to describe something open to question or debate. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts. Its function is to express uncertainty or invite further examination, with a neutral register making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. The phrase sees frequent use in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. When employing "disputable", providing context and evidence strengthens the argument. Consider alternatives like "arguable", "debatable", or "questionable" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arguable

Implies that there are valid arguments on both sides of the issue.

debatable

Suggests that the issue is worth debating and does not have a clear resolution.

contestable

Indicates that the statement can be challenged or disputed.

disputed

Directly states that the statement is being challenged or contested.

questionable

Raises doubts about the validity or accuracy of the statement.

dubious

Expresses uncertainty or skepticism about the statement's truth.

moot

Suggests that the point is no longer relevant or practical.

controversial

Indicates that the statement is likely to cause disagreement or opposition.

uncertain

Highlights the lack of definitive knowledge or clarity about the statement.

unsettled

Implies that the matter is not yet resolved or decided.

FAQs

How can I use "disputable" in a sentence?

You can use "disputable" to describe claims or ideas that are open to debate or question. For example, "The accuracy of the historical account is "disputable" given the limited evidence."

What are some alternatives to using "disputable"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "arguable", "debatable", or "questionable" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say something is "non-disputable"?

While grammatically correct, "non-disputable" is less common than alternatives like "undisputed" or "incontrovertible", which might sound more natural in formal writing.

What is the difference between "disputable" and "doubtful"?

"Disputable" implies that something is open to argument or debate, while "doubtful" suggests a feeling of uncertainty or disbelief. A claim might be "disputable" even if you don't personally find it "doubtful".