# doubting

/ˈdaʊtɪŋ/ (US) · /dˈaʊtɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/doubting
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

feeling unsure if something is true or if someone is telling the truth. You use this when you have a lack of belief in something.

For teachers: characterised by a lack of conviction or a state of uncertainty regarding the truth or reliability of something. Often used predicatively after linking verbs or attributively to describe a person's expression.

## Examples

- She gave him a doubting look when he explained his excuse.
- Even after seeing the evidence, several doubting members of the committee refused to sign the final report.
- The scientist remained doubting of the new data until the experiment could be replicated by an independent laboratory under stricter controls.

## Usage notes

- Often appears in the phrase 'doubting Thomas' to describe a skeptical person. When used as a participial adjective, it frequently modifies nouns like 'look', 'smile', or 'voice'.

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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.