Word
questionable
Phoneticsques·tion·able
US/ˈkwɛstʃənəbəɫ/
UK/kwˈɛstʃənəbəl/
Definitions
01doubtful or uncertain
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. not likely to be true or correct; something you should doubt.
adj. open to doubt or challenge regarding factual accuracy or validity.
“The results of the study are questionable because the researchers only tested five people.”
“The validity of the data remains questionable, as the methodology failed to account for significant environmental variables during the trial period.”
Antonyms
02morally doubtful
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. likely to be dishonest, wrong, or not respectable.
adj. of dubious respectability, morality, or honesty.
“He has some questionable friends who always seem to get into trouble with the police.”
“The company's questionable hiring practices eventually led to a full investigation by the labour board.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03inviting inquiry
C2 · Proficiency Archaic · Literary
adj. inviting or asking for a question to be asked.
adj. inviting inquiry or conversation; capable of being questioned.
“The stranger's sudden appearance in the village was a questionable event.”
“Thou com'st in such a questionable shape that I will speak to thee.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“And is it unfair, even morally questionable, to pass a law, but then backdate when its impact begins?” “On the other hand, its recent aggressive efforts to ‘grow’ agriculture on the island are more questionable.” Etymology
From question + -able.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/questionable