highly questionable

USAGE SUMMARY

"highly questionable" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to suggest that something is suspect or dubious in nature, and is often followed by a descriptive phrase. For example, "The mayor's conduct in award the contract to his brother's company is highly questionable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Highly questionable.

The Guardian - Sport

Both arguments are highly questionable.

The Guardian

These are highly questionable value judgments.

The Economist

Each of these claims is highly questionable.

The New York Times - Books

Even this, however, is highly questionable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But this comparison is highly questionable.

The Guardian

"It's highly questionable as a constitutional matter".

The New York Times

Murphy's own contributions are often highly questionable.

The Guardian

Their claim of ownership was highly questionable.

The New York Times

However, there too the efficacy of policy is highly questionable.

The Guardian

That now looks like a highly questionable assumption.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "highly questionable" to express a strong level of skepticism, reserving it for situations where you have significant reservations.

Common error

Avoid using "highly questionable" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler terms like "doubtful" or "fishy" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly questionable" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to express a strong sense of doubt or skepticism. It is often used to cast doubt on the validity, accuracy, or ethical nature of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "highly questionable" is a common and grammatically correct way to express significant doubt or skepticism. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally used when something's validity or trustworthiness is under scrutiny. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase serves to express disapproval and invite careful consideration of the matter at hand. Alternatives like "very doubtful" or "extremely suspect" can be used depending on the desired degree of skepticism. When employing "highly questionable", ensure that the reasons for your doubt are clearly articulated to enhance the impact of your statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very doubtful

Emphasizes the uncertainty or lack of conviction regarding something.

highly dubious

Highlights the suspicious or untrustworthy nature of something.

extremely suspect

Focuses on the idea that something is likely to be wrong or dishonest.

open to doubt

Indicates that something is not certain and can be questioned.

subject to scrutiny

Implies that something needs careful examination because it might be flawed.

of uncertain validity

Highlights the lack of established proof or justification for something.

questionable at best

Suggests that even under the most favorable interpretation, something is still doubtful.

far from certain

Emphasizes that something is not definitely true or reliable.

dubious in nature

Focuses on the inherently suspicious or unreliable character of something.

of dubious merit

Highlights the lack of value or worth in something.

FAQs

How can I use "highly questionable" in a sentence?

You can use "highly questionable" to express doubt or skepticism about something. For instance, "The company's accounting practices are "highly questionable"."

What are some alternatives to "highly questionable"?

Alternatives include "very doubtful", "highly dubious", or "extremely suspect", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "highly questionable" or "very questionable"?

"Highly questionable" generally implies a stronger degree of skepticism than "very questionable". The choice depends on the intensity of doubt you wish to express.

What does it mean when something is described as "highly questionable"?

It means there are serious doubts or concerns about its validity, honesty, or appropriateness. It suggests that something is likely flawed or unreliable.