questionable decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "questionable decision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a choice or action that is doubtful or likely to be criticized. Example: "The board made a questionable decision by approving the merger without thorough research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Discussions

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It is a questionable decision.

The Economist

"This a questionable decision on many levels.

The Guardian

Romo did make a questionable decision during the week, however.

The New York Times

But Arizona Manager Bob Brenly made another questionable decision.

The New York Times - Sports

That raises the other questionable decision by Mr. Maazel.

The New York Times

Bombing Nagasaki three days later, as Mr. Kristof points out, was a more morally questionable decision.

The New York Times

One questionable decision was to include supersize reproductions of several of the plates on upper portions of the gallery walls.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

But it speaks, again, to a questionable decision-making process that rival executives have called haphazard and disjointed.

The New York Times - Sports

It certainly offered a better option than relying on the backup quarterback Joe Webb's erratic arm and questionable decision-making.

The New York Times - Sports

Mickelson's round will be remembered for some questionable decision-making on the 18th hole, where he made a double-bogey to finish at 1-over-par 1-over-par 1-over-par

The New York Times

You're gonna work for that.' " Smith put up decent numbers in his first few seasons, but he was criticized for poor shot selection and questionable decision-making.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "questionable decision", ensure the context clearly indicates why the decision is being questioned. Provide specific reasons or evidence to support your assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "questionable decision" as a general criticism without providing specific details or reasoning. Explain why the decision is doubtful rather than simply labeling it as such.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "questionable decision" functions as an adjective-noun construction, where 'questionable' modifies 'decision'. According to Ludwig AI, this expression effectively characterizes a decision as doubtful or open to scrutiny.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sports

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "questionable decision" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a choice or action that is doubtful or open to criticism. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in news and media, sports, and business contexts to express skepticism or disapproval. While often carrying a negative connotation, using "questionable decision" effectively requires providing specific reasoning or evidence to support the assessment. Alternatives such as "dubious choice" or "doubtful decision" offer similar meanings, but "questionable decision" is a widely understood and accepted expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dubious choice

Replaces 'decision' with 'choice', implying uncertainty or doubt.

doubtful decision

Synonymous replacement highlighting uncertainty about the decision.

questionable judgment

Replaces 'decision' with 'judgment', focusing on the evaluation process.

controversial choice

Focuses on the divisive nature of the decision.

poorly considered decision

Emphasizes the lack of careful thought behind the decision.

ill-advised action

Shifts focus from decision to action and emphasizes poor judgement.

debatable judgment call

Suggests the decision is open to debate and scrutiny.

unwise move

Highlights the lack of wisdom in the decision.

risky move

Focuses on the potential negative consequences of the decision.

speculative judgment

Highlights that the decision is based on assumptions or incomplete information.

FAQs

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

You can use "questionable decision" to describe a choice or action that is doubtful or likely to be criticized. For example, "The board made a questionable decision by approving the merger without thorough research."

What are some alternatives to "questionable decision"?

You can use alternatives like "dubious choice", "doubtful decision", or "controversial decision" depending on the context.

What makes a decision "questionable"?

A decision is considered "questionable" when it raises doubts about its wisdom, effectiveness, or ethical implications. It often implies that the decision might lead to negative consequences or has been made without sufficient justification.

Is it always negative to call a decision "questionable"?

Yes, using the term "questionable decision" typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the decision is flawed or problematic. However, the degree of negativity can vary depending on the context and the strength of the supporting evidence.