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
doubtfulness
noun
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
Allen set a course record in the victory and sent a postcard to her doubtful doctor afterward.
—
Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 25 May 2025
The marathon meeting came and went as House Republican leaders are looking to get the Trump agenda bill through the chamber by Memorial Day, an ambitious timeline that some lawmakers are doubtful of.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 14 May 2025
Luis Suarez had to go out of town for personal reasons and is doubtful for the Inter Miami game on the road Saturday against Minnesota United.
Miami coach Javier Mascherano did not share details about Suarez’s situation and did not say when he was expected to rejoin the team.
—Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 9 May 2025
Offer incentives for your team members to pursue AI upskilling programs, highlighting the importance of AI skills to draw in team members who are still doubtful about their need for these skills.
—Elise Awwad, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for doubtful
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Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 25 May 2025
The marathon meeting came and went as House Republican leaders are looking to get the Trump agenda bill through the chamber by Memorial Day, an ambitious timeline that some lawmakers are doubtful of.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 14 May 2025
Luis Suarez had to go out of town for personal reasons and is doubtful for the Inter Miami game on the road Saturday against Minnesota United.
Miami coach Javier Mascherano did not share details about Suarez’s situation and did not say when he was expected to rejoin the team.
—Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 9 May 2025
Offer incentives for your team members to pursue AI upskilling programs, highlighting the importance of AI skills to draw in team members who are still doubtful about their need for these skills.
—Elise Awwad, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for doubtful
Cite this Entry
“Doubtful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doubtful. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
doubtfulness
noun
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