dubious performance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dubious performance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a performance that is questionable or lacking in credibility or reliability. Example: "The athlete's dubious performance raised suspicions about the integrity of the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

This is from "Someone to Talk To," and the wonderful incongruity is that Shapiro, a pianist, has just concluded a dubious performance of a piece of contemporary music.

The New York Times - Books

Grand Prix's dubious performance does not come cheap.

Forbes

The "competition" ethos plays out in well-moneyed charters rivaling traditional public schools for scarce funds, and rigid, empirically dubious "performance rankings" that measure struggling teachers against each other.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's hard to give Arizona the benefit of the doubt on anything these days, what with the state's dubious performances in matters like illegal immigrant hysteria, the selling of the State Capitol to help balance the budget, and the electing of Jan Brewer.

The New York Times

No list of title deciders would be complete without a dubious refereeing performance.

The Guardian - Sport

Irresistible idea, dubious execution.

The New Yorker

WITH only a week left in 2011, the Standard & Poor's 500-stock index has a dubious distinction: its performance has been far worse than that of a basic basket of bonds in the last 12 years.

The New York Times

They presumed that the companies would keep most of their market share, a dubious assumption considering past performance.

The New York Times

The French actor is no stranger to morally dubious characters; here his performance shimmers with subtle menace.

The Guardian - Film

Independent research firms like Gradient Analytics, which was named in Biovail's suit, had argued that the stock's precipitous plunge was caused by the company's poor performance and dubious efforts to cover it up, not because of negative research.

The New York Times

Pay for performance is particularly dubious in bad times: During a recession, Ms. Gabor writes, pay for performance becomes a zero-sum game that produces more losers than winners.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dubious performance", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the performance questionable. Providing specific examples or reasons enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "dubious performance" in highly formal or academic writing without careful consideration. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "questionable performance" or "unconvincing execution" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dubious performance" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "dubious" modifies the noun "performance". It typically serves to describe an action or event whose quality or reliability is questionable as seen on Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dubious performance" describes an action or event whose quality or reliability is questionable. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in written English. Its usage, although not very frequent, is typically found in news and media, and occasionally in formal business contexts. When employing this phrase, it's important to provide context, specifying what exactly renders the performance "dubious". While widely acceptable, writers should consider more formal alternatives such as "questionable performance" in academic and other formal settings to ensure appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suspect performance

Implies a stronger sense of doubt or distrust regarding the performance, suggesting potential foul play or deception.

questionable execution

Focuses more on the act of performing rather than the overall quality, highlighting potential flaws in the process.

problematic execution

Highlights possible problems related to the way the performance was carried out.

dubitable display

Highlights uncertainty about the merit or genuineness of the presented performance.

flawed presentation

Emphasizes the presence of imperfections or defects in the way the performance is delivered.

uncertain achievement

Questions the success or accomplishment of the performance, indicating doubt about its positive outcome.

unreliable acting

Specifically addresses the dependability of the actions or behavior within the performance.

shaky implementation

Focuses on the instability or weakness in the way the performance was carried out.

tenuous act

Suggests the performance is weakly supported or based on fragile grounds.

risky behavior

Highlights possible risks or negative impacts the performance might be exposed to.

FAQs

How can I replace "dubious performance" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "questionable execution", "suspect performance", or "unreliable acting" depending on the specific context.

What does "dubious performance" imply?

It suggests that a performance is questionable, unreliable, or not entirely convincing. The level of doubt can vary from mild skepticism to strong suspicion.

In what contexts is "dubious performance" most appropriate?

The phrase is commonly used in news and media to describe events, actions, or presentations that raise doubts or concerns. It can also appear in less formal contexts to express skepticism.

Is "dubious performance" a formal or informal expression?

It leans towards a neutral to slightly informal register. While acceptable in many contexts, consider a more formal alternative like "questionable performance" in academic or highly professional settings.