dubious character

USAGE SUMMARY

"dubious character" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that is considered suspicious or of questionable integrity or morality. Example: The town was known for its notorious neighborhood, filled with alleys and bars that attracted a dubious character.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

The dubious character of the results has been well rehearsed.

The Guardian - Opinion

No bashing the credibility of the dubious character that is the Biogenesis clinic guru Anthony Bosch.

The New York Times - Sports

Zimpher felt that Huggins had recruited too many players of dubious character.

The New York Times - Sports

The dubious character of some of the leaders of both parties acts to further repel the West.

The New York Times

The most frequently used new term at Chapel Hill is sketchy, "of dubious character; shady, potentially dangerous".

The New York Times - Magazine

These several defects are undoubtedly the marks of a dubious character, and I am quite ashamed of myself.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Republicans aren't the only dubious characters running around.

The New Yorker

There are other dubious characters around the place, too.

The Guardian

The Republicans are looking at some dubious characters — but at least they are looking.

The New Yorker

Mr. Homm acknowledges that he associated with some dubious characters over the years.

The New York Times

Mr Hudson was placed on List 99, which bars dubious characters from teaching jobs.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a fictional character, use "dubious character" to create an immediate sense of unease or suspicion in the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "dubious character" in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral or precise term, such as "questionable individual" or "unverified source", might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dubious character" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "dubious" modifies the noun "character". It serves to describe someone or something as questionable or suspicious. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dubious character" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone or something of questionable integrity. Ludwig AI's analysis, along with the provided examples, confirms that it is most frequently used in News & Media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to consider the specific context and audience, especially when writing formally. When aiming for formal writing, it's important to avoid using "dubious character", instead, rely on synonyms such as "questionable individual" or "untrustworthy person" which provides more formality and more precision. Using "dubious character" effectively involves creating a sense of unease or suspicion, as well as avoiding misapplication in contexts where neutrality is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

questionable individual

Focuses on the individual's qualities being in question.

shady figure

Implies a sense of secrecy and untrustworthiness.

suspect person

Highlights the suspicion surrounding the person.

unreliable sort

Emphasizes the lack of dependability.

fishy character

Uses informal language to suggest something is not right.

morally ambiguous figure

Focuses specifically on moral uncertainty.

ethically challenged individual

Highlights ethical concerns.

person of ill repute

Focuses on the person's bad reputation.

untrustworthy type

Directly states the lack of trust.

problematic figure

Suggests the person presents problems or difficulties.

FAQs

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

You can use "dubious character" to describe someone whose honesty or motives are questionable, such as: "The detective investigated the "dubious character" who had been seen lurking near the crime scene".

What are some alternatives to "dubious character"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "questionable individual", "shady figure", or "suspect person".

Is it appropriate to use "dubious character" in formal writing?

While "dubious character" is widely understood, it may be better suited for less formal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more neutral terms like "questionable individual" or "untrustworthy person".

What does it mean when someone is described as a "dubious character"?

It means that the person's reputation or behavior is questionable, and they are not considered entirely trustworthy. They might be suspected of dishonesty or have a history of questionable actions.