doubtful
adjective
doubt·ful
ˈdau̇t-fəl 
1
a
: lacking a definite opinion, conviction, or determination
They were doubtful about the advantages of the new system.
b
: uncertain in outcome : undecided
The outcome of the election remains doubtful.
2
: marked by qualities that raise doubts about worth, honesty, or validity
of doubtful repute
3
: giving rise to doubt or uncertainty : open to question
It is doubtful that they ever knew what happened.
a doubtful premise
doubtfulness
noun
Examples of doubtful in a Sentence
I tried to reassure them, but they remained doubtful.
The truth of the statements was doubtful.
Their decisions were based on data of doubtful accuracy.
Recent Examples on the Web
Rams left guard Steve Avila (ankle) did not practice Friday and is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s road game against the Philadelphia Eagles (2-0).
—
Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
Greenlaw is now doubtful to suit up for Sunday’s matchup with the Chargers, leaving next week’s game against the Bengals as the last possible chance to validate Denver for not placing the veteran linebacker on IR at the start of the year.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 18 Sep. 2025
And preparing for another week without King, who was deemed doubtful by Albin, the 49ers’ front will continue to rely on its depth.
—Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2025
After two limited practices, the Chiefs designated Worthy as doubtful for this past weekend’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles, later ruling him out entirely.
—Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for doubtful
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Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
Greenlaw is now doubtful to suit up for Sunday’s matchup with the Chargers, leaving next week’s game against the Bengals as the last possible chance to validate Denver for not placing the veteran linebacker on IR at the start of the year.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 18 Sep. 2025
And preparing for another week without King, who was deemed doubtful by Albin, the 49ers’ front will continue to rely on its depth.
—Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2025
After two limited practices, the Chiefs designated Worthy as doubtful for this past weekend’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles, later ruling him out entirely.
—Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for doubtful
Cite this Entry
“Doubtful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doubtful. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
doubtful
adjective
doubt·ful
ˈdau̇t-fəl
1
: not clear or certain as to fact
a doubtful claim
2
: questionable sense 2
doubtful intentions
3
: undecided in opinion
4
: not certain in outcome
doubtfulness
noun
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