dubious figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dubious figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person whose credibility or intentions are questionable or uncertain. Example: "The politician was often seen as a dubious figure, raising suspicions about his true motives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Unlike the dubious figure that "40,000 teachers could lose their jobs" — more on that below — this at least was specific information.

The Washington Post

The character I find most sympathetic is the president of Harvard, Lawrence Summers, onetime Clinton's treasury secretary and a rather dubious figure in some ways.

The Guardian - Film

But the combative American music critic Dave Marsh was having none of it; he described Lomax as "a dubious figure" who "believed folk culture needed guidance from superior beings like himself".

The Guardian - Music

But it ranges from a modest 1.7% in Taiwan to 20% or more in Vietnam, Venezuela and Argentina (using private-sector estimates for the latter rather than the government's lower but dubious figure).

The Economist

The first was inflation, which ranges from 2% in Taiwan to 20% or more in Argentina and Venezuela (using private-sector estimates for the former rather than the government's dubious figure).

The Economist

Certainly he was a colorfully dubious figure, and we learn a great deal about him and his times from this book, which reveals Wainewright and at the same time coats him with a layer of prose thick enough to test the reader's patience.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The president often relies on dubious figures on the cost of illegal immigration.

The Washington Post

The official conceded that, in the early days of the Trump campaign, the candidate attracted some dubious figures.

The New Yorker

Part of Obama's political success is that he has been able to exploit relationships with important yet ethically dubious figures in Illinois while still maintaining his independence.

The New Yorker

One of the dubious figures in the 'pan-demonium' is the unfortunate scientist who makes so surprising an entry at midpoint.

The New York Times - Arts

Ludicrous and dubious figures, given to reliably ludicrous and dubious pronouncements, emerge periodically from the political mist – Grant Shapps, Iain Duncan Smith, Sajid Javid – and columns featuring them begin to write themselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dubious figure", ensure that the context provides enough information for the reader to understand the basis of the doubt or suspicion. Avoid vague accusations without supporting evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "dubious figure" repeatedly in formal or academic writing. While acceptable, it can sometimes sound informal or speculative. Opt for more precise language that clearly articulates the specific concerns or issues associated with the person or entity in question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dubious figure" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "dubious" modifies the noun "figure". Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct. It serves to describe someone or something as questionable or suspicious.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dubious figure" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-registered term used to describe someone of questionable character or credibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is most commonly found in News & Media. While acceptable in formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives to avoid ambiguity. When employing the phrase, ensure that the context makes clear the reasons for the doubt or suspicion being expressed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

questionable character

Replaces "figure" with a more direct term for moral standing.

suspicious individual

Emphasizes the element of distrust or doubt.

doubtful person

Uses a more straightforward adjective to convey uncertainty.

untrustworthy character

Focuses on the lack of trustworthiness.

shady character

Implies a hidden or disreputable nature.

unreliable person

Highlights the inconsistency and undependability.

disreputable individual

Suggests a damaged reputation.

fishy character

Uses a colloquial term to express doubt or suspicion.

deceptive figure

Implies an intent to mislead or trick.

problematic person

Highlights the potential for issues or difficulties.

FAQs

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

You can use "dubious figure" to describe someone whose credibility or intentions are questionable. For example: "The politician was often seen as a "dubious figure", raising suspicions about his true motives."

What are some alternatives to "dubious figure"?

You can use alternatives like "questionable character", "suspicious individual", or "untrustworthy person" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "dubious figure" in formal writing?

Yes, "dubious figure" is generally acceptable in formal writing, although in very formal contexts, more precise and less colloquial alternatives might be preferred. Alternatives like "questionable individual" or "suspect character" might be more appropriate.

What makes someone a "dubious figure"?

A "dubious figure" is someone about whom there are reasons to be uncertain, skeptical, or suspicious. This might be due to their past actions, their associations, or inconsistencies in their statements. Their motives or credibility are open to doubt.