# dubious

/ˈdubiəs/ (US) · /djˈuːbɪəs/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. suspicious or questionable

adjective · CEFR B2

something that is probably not honest, true, or safe.

For teachers: arousing doubt or suspicion; of questionable value, quality, or legality.

- The company made some dubious claims about how much money you could earn.
- The startup's valuation was based on dubious accounting practices that eventually drew the attention of federal regulators.

### 2. feeling doubt

adjective · CEFR B2

feeling unsure or not certain that something is a good idea.

For teachers: hesitating or wavering in opinion; inclined to doubt or feeling undecided.

- I was dubious about his plan to drive across the country in such an old car.
- Local residents remain dubious about the proposed development, fearing it will destroy the quiet character of the neighbourhood.

### 3. of low quality

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

having a result or quality that is not very good or is disappointing.

For teachers: of uncertain outcome or questionable merit; often used in the phrase 'dubious honour' to describe something unwanted.

- The team had the dubious honour of losing every single game this season.
- He holds the dubious distinction of being the only minister to be fired twice for the same administrative error.

## Examples

- I am dubious about his ability to finish the job.
- The investor remained dubious about the startup's claims of high profits despite the flashy presentation.
- The politician's dubious claims regarding the economic recovery were met with immediate skepticism by independent analysts who pointed to the rising unemployment figures.

---

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.