doubtful

adjective

doubt·​ful ˈdau̇t-fəl 

1

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.

2

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

of doubtful repute

3

: 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

Synonyms

• distrustful
• dubious
• hinky [slang]
• mistrustful
• skeptical
• suspicious
• trustless
• uncertain
• unconvinced
• undecided
• unsettled
• unsure

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

Skipper Lewis Dunk, deputy captain Danny Welbeck, and Dutch right-back Joel Veltman remain doubtful for tomorrow night’s home game against Bournemouth. —Andy Naylor, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025

South Africans Kagiso Rabada and David Miller are also among the big names that will be missing, while Steven Smith has been retained by Freedom although his availability is doubtful given his international commitments. —Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025

Zelensky is doubtful that Europe or another monitoring force alone is up to the task of securing any peace. —Clare Sebastian, CNN, 13 Feb. 2025

The Celtics officially listed Hauser as doubtful for Thursday’s game. —Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see doubt entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

doubtful

adjective

doubt·​ful ˈdau̇t-fəl 

1

: not clear or certain as to fact

a doubtful claim

2

: questionable sense 2

doubtful intentions

3

: undecided in opinion

4

: not certain in outcome

doubtfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

doubtfulness noun