of dubious character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of dubious character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is questionable, unreliable, or morally ambiguous. Example: "The witness had a reputation of dubious character, which made the jury skeptical of his testimony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Sports

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

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr Obasanjo says he just wants to ensure that "criminals and crooks, persons of dubious character, the corrupt and corrupters" do not take over the reins of government.

The Economist

This small, sentimental "I remember" yarn, laced with vicious jolts, is a relocated "Bronx Tale" grounded in the same old macho shtick: friendship and undying loyalty among pals of dubious character who have shared harrowing rites of passage.

The New York Times

A young girl decides to run off with a boyfriend of dubious character in order to escape her poverty-ridden sharecropper family; then she changes her mind when her mother promises her that the family will eventually buy its own farm.

The New York Times

Rose's likeness will adorn the Hall of Fame Gallery, alongside men of dubious character like Ty Cobb (vicious), Cap Anson (racist), Babe Ruth (gluttonous), Orlando Cepeda (convicted marijuana importer), and many others whose deeds were covered up by the boys-will-be-boys reporters of their day.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The sort of dubious characters who hover behind you while you're making cash withdrawals.

The Guardian - Music

The cast of dubious characters appears to be the common property of the Republican Party, rather than a Trump exclusive.

The New Yorker

The first episode features fast, clever dialogue as well as some unexpected violence while introducing a range of dubious characters.

The New York Times

A few instances of dubious characters lying about medals does not require the government to deploy the heavy artillery of criminal sanction.

The New York Times

The Litvinenko affair involves a mix of dubious characters in several countries, some of whom may be either accomplices or escaped co-targets or the stooges in frame-ups.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "of dubious character", ensure the context provides specific details or examples that support the claim, rather than relying solely on the phrase itself.

Common error

Avoid using "of dubious character" as a standalone judgment without providing supporting evidence or specific examples to justify the assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of dubious character" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, typically a person or entity. It serves to attribute a quality of doubtfulness or questionability to the subject. Ludwig AI indicates this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "of dubious character" is a grammatically sound and usable prepositional phrase used to describe someone or something that is questionable or unreliable. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a valid expression, found primarily in news and media contexts. While "of dubious character" is a correct and valid expression, it's important to use it judiciously. Provide specific evidence or examples to support your assessment of someone's character. Alternatives such as "of questionable character" or "of suspect character" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances. This phrase serves to express skepticism or distrust, and its use contributes to a neutral register in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of questionable character

Emphasizes the uncertainty and lack of established good qualities.

of suspect character

Highlights suspicion and distrust surrounding the character.

of tainted character

Suggests corruption or moral blemish affecting the character.

of compromised character

Indicates that the character has been weakened or corrupted.

with a shady reputation

Focuses on the negative public perception of the person's character.

morally questionable

Directly addresses the moral aspect of the character being dubious.

ethically ambiguous

Emphasizes the lack of clear ethical principles.

of ill repute

Formal and direct expression of a bad reputation.

with a checkered past

Highlights a past filled with questionable or problematic events.

not above suspicion

Suggests that the person is likely to be guilty of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "of dubious character" to describe someone or something that is questionable or unreliable, for example: "The informant was known to be "of dubious character", so his testimony was carefully scrutinized."

What are some alternatives to "of dubious character"?

Alternatives to "of dubious character" include "of questionable character", "of suspect character", or "morally questionable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "of dubious character" or "of questionable character"?

Both "of dubious character" and "of questionable character" are acceptable. "Dubious" emphasizes doubt and uncertainty, while "questionable" highlights that the character is open to being questioned. The choice depends on the specific emphasis you want to give.

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

When someone is described as "of dubious character", it means they are considered to be unreliable, untrustworthy, or morally ambiguous. Their behavior or past actions raise doubts about their integrity and intentions.