doubtful character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doubtful character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone whose integrity or reliability is questionable. Example: "The witness had a doubtful character, which raised concerns about the credibility of their testimony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But it has not ensured that its decision is enforced, and references to those who allege rape as "dissolute" or "of doubtful character" still appear in court rulings.

The New York Times

Weaver was told by one printer that "we would not knowingly undertake any work of a doubtful character even though it may be a classic", while another asks Weaver, addressed as "Dear Sir", to "exclude some of the paragraphs which others have taken exception to" if they are to print it.

The Guardian - Books

Some speak of this affair as though a Chinese "coolie" had married some white woman of doubtful character.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A number of doubtful characters have grown mustaches in order to "inspire confidence.' Tells about a mustachiod automobile salesman who inspired enough confidence in a customer to sell him a worthless car.

The New Yorker

Under Peña Nieto's watch, a cast of doubtful characters has been freed from jail, including the convicted assassin of a DEA agent, an army general accused of links to narco-traffickers, and a French woman accused of participating in multiple kidnappings.

The Guardian - Opinion

The rapid development of mathematical analysis in the 18th century had not concealed the fact that its underlying concepts not only lacked rigorous definition, but were even (e.g., in the case of differentials and infinitesimals) of doubtful logical character.

SEP

"Highly doubtful". Case closed.

The New York Times - Arts

Critical biography has had its share of failures: except in skillful hands, criticism clumsily intrudes upon the continuity of a life, or the works of the subject are made to yield doubtful interpretations of character, particularly in the case of literary figures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So getting a tattoo was a "savage" act – and when a white European chose to get one this indicated something doubtful in their character, especially if it was a woman.

The Guardian

With GoldenEye the first James Bond film to be produced since the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Cold War era which Bond was known to inhabit was brought to an end, and therefore it was doubtful whether the character was still relevant in the modern world.

Wikipedia

Returning to the field, facing opponents skeptical of his character and doubtful of his story, will be another challenge.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using this phrase, as it carries a negative connotation. Use it judiciously in formal settings.

Common error

Avoid labeling someone a "doubtful character" based on superficial observations or hearsay. Ensure you have sufficient evidence before making such a judgment, as it can be damaging to their reputation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doubtful character" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to describe someone whose integrity is questionable, often casting doubt on their trustworthiness or reliability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "doubtful character" is a descriptive term used to portray an individual whose integrity or trustworthiness is in question. While grammatically sound, its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is valid. When employing "doubtful character", it's crucial to provide context and justification to avoid unfounded accusations. Alternatives such as "questionable character" or "suspect credibility" can offer similar meanings with potentially varying degrees of formality and impact. Remember to wield this phrase thoughtfully, understanding its potential to shape perceptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

untrustworthy person

Directly states the lack of trust associated with the individual.

questionable integrity

Focuses on the moral principles of the person, rather than their general reputation.

dubious reputation

Highlights the negative public perception of the individual.

suspect credibility

Emphasizes the lack of believability associated with the person.

of questionable morals

Specifically refers to the moral standards of the person in question

unreliable nature

Shifts the focus to their dependability or lack thereof.

shady individual

Uses a more informal and negative term to describe the person.

fishy personality

Employing a slang term, "fishy", to imply something is not right or suspicious about someone's personality

dubious nature

Changes the noun to the abstract 'nature' to imply that the doubt is inherent to the subject itself

with blemished honor

Implies a damaged or tarnished reputation due to past actions

FAQs

What does "doubtful character" mean?

The phrase "doubtful character" refers to someone whose honesty, integrity, or reliability is questionable. It suggests that the person's behavior or reputation raises doubts about their trustworthiness.

What are some synonyms for "doubtful character"?

Alternatives to "doubtful character" include "questionable character", "suspect character", "dubious character", or "untrustworthy person". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "doubtful character" in a sentence?

You might say, "The witness's testimony was unreliable due to his doubtful character" or "The company hired someone of doubtful character, leading to financial losses."

Is it appropriate to call someone a "doubtful character" in a formal setting?

While the phrase is grammatically correct, it carries a negative connotation. In formal settings, it's best to use more neutral language, such as "questionable integrity" or "unconfirmed reputation", unless you have strong evidence to support your assessment.