adj.
Pronunciation: ' dau ̇ t-f ə l
Function: 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 \ -f ə -l ē \ 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>.