transcription, транскрипция: [ ˈdau̇t-fəl ]
adjective
Date: 14th century
1. : giving rise to doubt : open to question
it is doubtful that they ever knew what happened
2.
a. : lacking a definite opinion, conviction, or determination
they were doubtful about the advantages of the new system
b. : uncertain in outcome : undecided
the outcome of the election remains doubtful
3. : marked by qualities that raise doubts about worth, honesty, or validity
of doubtful repute
• doubt·ful·ly -fə-lē adverb
• doubt·ful·ness noun
Synonyms:
doubtful , dubious , problematic , questionable mean not affording assurance of the worth, soundness, or certainty of something. doubtful implies little more than a lack of conviction or certainty
doubtful about whether I said the right thing
dubious stresses suspicion, mistrust, or hesitation
dubious about the practicality of the scheme
problematic applies especially to things whose existence, meaning, fulfillment, or realization is highly uncertain
whether the project will ever be finished is problematic
questionable may imply no more than the existence of doubt but usually suggests that the suspicions are well-grounded
a man of questionable honesty