questionable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "questionable" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe something that is doubtful or uncertain. An example sentence would be: The suspect's alibi was questionable.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

War and economic crisis have always augmented the powers of the White House, and for the foreseeable future Mr Obama will continue to enjoy the dubious "benefits" of both.The questionable mandateThere is, besides, a deeper question to be asked of those who sum up the present deadlock in terms of Congress blocking Mr Obama's mandate.

The Economist

The concept of repressed memories itself is, according to psychologist Chris French of the University of London, highly questionable.

The Guardian

A last-minute penalty for a questionable handball cost Real Sociedad their first away win of the season, at Levante.

The Guardian - Sport

There was a moral panic over the questionable practices of many such establishments as early as the end of the 19th century.

The Guardian

More questionable is its construction of a conventional fall-from-grace narrative.

The Guardian - Film

"I must say that as far as Les Mis, certain people that they did hire were questionable vocally.

The Guardian - Film

Room for improvement: Makes a major point out of its questionable assertion that Aids drug AZT is "poison" and doesn't work.

The Guardian - Film

A degree of public participation is embedded in urban planning legislation in Hanoi, but how well it is implemented is questionable.

The Guardian

There is no point in criticising the brilliant minds now involved in the questionable technical enterprise.

The Guardian - Sport

This week the National Front selectively targeted elected representatives from Anwar's party in a questionable roundup by the anti-corruption agency.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's hard to argue against that – the game lets players kill sex workers (and anyone else in the game) – though it's possibly the least interactively misogynist instalment in the series thus far, eschewing questionable relationship mechanics and the ability for sex with prostitutes to heal you.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "questionable" when you want to suggest that something is not entirely trustworthy or reliable. This is particularly useful in formal writing where you need to express doubt without making a direct accusation.

Common error

While "questionable" is appropriate for formal writing, avoid overusing it in casual conversation. Simpler words like "fishy" or "shady" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "questionable" primarily functions to express uncertainty or doubt about something. It modifies nouns to indicate that their validity, reliability, or morality is not assured. As Ludwig highlights, the term suggests an invitation to question or scrutinize.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "questionable" serves as an adjective to cast doubt on something's validity or integrity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in English writing. Its prevalence in news and formal business contexts underscores its utility in professional communication. While grammatically sound, it is crucial to reserve its use for scenarios where conveying doubt is both appropriate and effective. Remember to explore its alternatives to add nuance to your writing. The word is very common across different contexts and source types.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doubtful

Expresses uncertainty or disbelief about something.

dubious

Suggests uncertainty and implies suspicion or distrust.

suspect

Implies a belief that something may be wrong or dishonest.

uncertain

Indicates a lack of sureness or clarity.

dubitable

Raises doubts about the validity or truth of something.

debatable

Open to argument or dispute.

implausible

Unlikely to be true or valid.

fishy

Informal way of saying something seems suspicious or dishonest.

shady

Suggests dishonesty or illegality.

tenuous

Weak or insubstantial.

FAQs

How can I use "questionable" in a sentence?

You can use "questionable" to describe something that is doubtful, uncertain, or of dubious morality. For example, "The company's accounting practices were "questionable"."

What's a more formal alternative to "questionable"?

More formal alternatives include "dubious", "uncertain", or "debatable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to describe something as "questionable"?

Yes, using "questionable" generally carries a negative connotation, implying doubt or suspicion about the validity, morality, or reliability of something.

What's the difference between "questionable" and "suspicious"?

"Questionable" suggests that something raises doubts or invites inquiry, while "suspicious" implies a stronger sense of distrust or a belief that something is wrong or dishonest. "Questionable" is milder and more neutral.