dubious service

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dubious service" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a service that is questionable, unreliable, or of poor quality. Example: "The restaurant received complaints about its dubious service, leading to a decline in customer satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

So, as a somewhat dubious service to posterity, here goes.

The New Yorker

It may seem a dubious service, but we could use a dose of the truth.

The New Yorker

All of that tastefully enough refurbished architecture, that priceless waterfront property, has been put to the dubious service of retail chains like Express and Mrs. Fields.

The New York Times

Not Djokovic himself after he won his first Australian Open in 2008 and then failed to reach another major final for more than two years, suffering from allergies, dubious service technique and relative weakness around the net.

The New York Times

He has kept the New York Post going long after it had any hope of contributing to his bottom line a dubious service to humanity, but still: the Post is fun, its reactionary politics notwithstanding.

The New Yorker

Others expect the changes to herald the arrival of the DIY investor, with scores of new low-cost websites offering easy-to-use services, meaning that most people will be able to dispense with the costly, and at times dubious, service provided by financial advisers.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

A couple of maternity hospitals have realised they can make money by offering dubious services to expectant parents.

The Guardian

Such a system would mean well-connected self-publicists such as Seldon will profit hugely, contracting their dubious services to the state – Wellington College has already "sponsored" an academy.

The Guardian - Opinion

But I see little reason why any of these dubious services should inhabit the space at the top of a search page.

The Guardian - Money

"You have to be willing to violate," Marty says in a voice-over in Episode 2, explaining the art of persuading companies to buy the dubious services he sells.

The New York Times - Arts

Unsuspecting users who clicked the links would then be bombarded by pop-ups for a number of dubious services including as get-rich-quick schemes, with the hackers' sites also thought to contain malware and other dangerous programs.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dubious service", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the service questionable. Provide specific reasons or examples to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "dubious service" when you mean completely fraudulent. "Dubious" implies a degree of uncertainty or suspicion, not confirmed illegality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dubious service" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "dubious" modifies the noun "service". It describes a service that is questionable, suspect, or unreliable. Ludwig AI confirms this, identifying the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dubious service" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes a service of questionable quality or reliability. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it serves to express skepticism or doubt. Alternative phrases like "questionable service" or "unreliable service" can be used depending on the specific nuance. When employing this phrase, ensure to provide context explaining the basis for your doubt to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

questionable service

Replaces "dubious" with a direct synonym, maintaining the same meaning.

suspect service

Suggests the service is not trustworthy or reliable.

unreliable service

Focuses on the lack of dependability of the service.

doubtful service

Similar to "dubious", implying uncertainty about the service's quality or value.

shady service

Suggests the service may be dishonest or unethical.

fishy service

Informal term suggesting something is not right or is suspicious about the service.

dubious assistance

Substitutes "service" with "assistance", keeping the core meaning.

untrustworthy service

Emphasizes a lack of trust in the service provided.

problematic service

Highlights the presence of problems or issues with the service.

tenuous service

Suggests the service is weak, unsubstantial, or poorly supported.

FAQs

What does "dubious service" mean?

The phrase "dubious service" refers to a service that is questionable, unreliable, or suspect in some way. It implies uncertainty about the quality, honesty, or effectiveness of the service.

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

You might say, "The company offered what seemed like a "dubious service", promising unrealistic returns on investment." or "The consultant's recommendations were based on "dubious service" and misleading data."

What are some alternatives to "dubious service"?

Alternatives include "questionable service", "unreliable service", "suspect service", or "doubtful service". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "dubious service" can be used in formal writing, especially in news articles, reports, or analytical pieces, to express skepticism or uncertainty about a service's legitimacy or value. However, be sure to provide context or evidence to support your assessment.