doubtful

adjective

doubt·ful ˈdau̇t-fəl

Synonyms of doubtful

: lacking a definite opinion, conviction, or determination

They were doubtful about the advantages of the new system.

: uncertain in outcome : undecided

The outcome of the election remains doubtful.

: marked by qualities that raise doubts about worth, honesty, or validity

of doubtful repute

: giving rise to doubt or uncertainty : open to question

It is doubtful that they ever knew what happened.

a doubtful premise

doubtfully

ˈdau̇t-fə-lē

adverb

doubtfulness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for doubtful

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

Examples of doubtful in a Sentence

I tried to reassure them, but they remained doubtful. The truth of the statements was doubtful. Their decisions were based on data of doubtful accuracy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Even if temperatures were to sharply drop, the recovery of most corals is doubtful. — Peter Prengaman, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026 For much of last year, Head Start, the federal program that provides child-care and preschool services for low-income families, appeared to have a doubtful future. — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2026 Even if the limb could be spared, its future usefulness was doubtful. — Jeff Murray, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026 Third-round pick linebacker Jaishawn Barham is doubtful to play with a groin injury that has kept him out of practice over the past week. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for doubtful

Word History

Etymology

see doubt entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler

The first known use of doubtful was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

doubter

doubtful

doubtfully

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Doubtful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doubtful. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

doubtful

adjective

doubt·ful ˈdau̇t-fəl

: not clear or certain as to fact

a doubtful claim

: questionable sense 2

doubtful intentions

: undecided in opinion

: not certain in outcome

doubtfully

-fə-lē

adverb

doubtfulness noun

doubtful

adjective

Synonyms of doubtful

Examples of doubtful in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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