English Reference
adjective

questionable

adj.
US /ˈkwɛstʃənəbəɫ/ UK /kwˈɛstʃənəbəl/ ques·tion·able

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    not likely to be true or correct; something you should doubt.

    open to doubt or challenge regarding factual accuracy or validity.

    Simple

    The results of the study are questionable because the researchers only tested five people.

    In context

    The validity of the data remains questionable, as the methodology failed to account for significant environmental variables during the trial period.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    likely to be dishonest, wrong, or not respectable.

    of dubious respectability, morality, or honesty.

    Simple

    He has some questionable friends who always seem to get into trouble with the police.

    In context

    The company's questionable hiring practices eventually led to a full investigation by the labour board.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency ArchaicLiterary

    inviting or asking for a question to be asked.

    inviting inquiry or conversation; capable of being questioned.

    Simple

    The stranger's sudden appearance in the village was a questionable event.

    In context

    Thou com'st in such a questionable shape that I will speak to thee.

    inquirable

On the other hand, its recent aggressive efforts to ‘grow’ agriculture on the island are more questionable.

Aeon· 31 Aug 2026

From question + -able.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated