# debatable

/dəˈbeɪtəbəɫ/ (US) · /dɪbˈeɪtəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/debatable
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

describes something that people do not agree on yet. You use this when there is more than one way to look at a situation and no clear answer.

For teachers: open to discussion or argument; not yet settled or clearly proven. Often used predicatively to suggest that a previous statement is questionable or subjective.

## Examples

- Whether that was the right choice is debatable.
- The actual impact of the new law on the local economy remains debatable among experts.
- While the technical merits of the proposal are clear, its long-term social consequences remain highly debatable, requiring further longitudinal study before a final consensus can be reached.

## Usage notes

- Often follows linking verbs like 'be', 'remain', or 'seem'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.