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
Jamal Murray’s injury Nuggets guard Jamal Murray is doubtful due to right hamstring imflammation after missing the past five games.
—
Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2025
While Carvana has posted upside earnings surprises in the past, the investor was doubtful that will be repeated.
—Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
But Sumner is doubtful that Newsom's directive will go anywhere toward helping the state.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
Minutes later, the Celtics announced Tatum was doubtful to return with a left ankle sprain.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for doubtful
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Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2025
While Carvana has posted upside earnings surprises in the past, the investor was doubtful that will be repeated.
—Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
But Sumner is doubtful that Newsom's directive will go anywhere toward helping the state.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
Minutes later, the Celtics announced Tatum was doubtful to return with a left ankle sprain.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 25 Mar. 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 16 Apr. 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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