[ US /ˈdaʊtfəɫ/ ]
[ UK /dˈa‍ʊtfə‍l/ ]
ADJECTIVE
  1. unsettled in mind or opinion
    drew a few tentative conclusions
  2. open to doubt or suspicion
    what one found uncertain the other found dubious or downright false
    the candidate's doubtful past
    he has a dubious record indeed
    it was more than dubitable whether the friend was as influential as she thought
  3. fraught with uncertainty or doubt
    dubious about agreeing to go
    they were doubtful that the cord would hold
    it was doubtful whether she would be admitted

How To Use doubtful In A Sentence

  • I doubt that Michelle Obama was surprised or dismayed by the boos at the Nascar rally: it's not surprising that the national doubtfulness about first ladies and the strong, accomplished women who are coming to hold the role would emerge in boos from some of the Obama administration's fiercest opponents. Michelle Obama's Nascar boos | Kay Dilday
  • I currently am in doubtful mode, but I am willing to see what comes of this mixture. PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 Gets Ready To SAW Audiences In October – Collider.com
  • It is doubtful if he realized that a parasol is a purely feminine adjunct; -- although the Mistress always declared he did. Further Adventures of Lad
  • In November 1875, Sir Frederick Evans, newly appointed hydrographer of the British Navy, ordered 123 doubtful islands banished from Admiralty Chart 2683 of the Pacific Ocean. A Furnace Afloat
  • That which seemeth to me most likelie, I haue noted, beseeching the learned (as I trust they will) in such points of doubtfull antiquities to beare with my skill: sith for ought I know, the matter is not yet decided among the learned, but still they are in controuersie about it, and as yet Sub iudice lis est. Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland (2 of 6) England (1 of 12) William the Conqueror
  • Whether royal servants consistently made fortunes from fees and peculation seems doubtful.
  • Some claims for its benefits remain doubtful. Times, Sunday Times
  • It is doubtful whether the government will ever accede to the nationalists' demands for independence.
  • ‘Some people might think it's a bit feminine,’ he says doubtfully.
  • He will be assessed by the England medical team but he looks doubtful. Times, Sunday Times
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