dubious
word
Definition
Feeling or showing doubt; not certain or trusting that something is true, fair, or honest. It can also mean that something seems suspicious or not reliable.
Usage & Nuances
'Dubious' is formal and often describes uncertainty, suspicion, or something of questionable honesty or quality. Collocations: 'dubious claim', 'dubious honor', 'dubious source'. Don't use for people who are only a little unsure—'unsure' or 'uncertain' fits better there.
Spanish: dudoso - sospechosoPortuguese (BR): duvidoso - suspeitoPortuguese (PT): duvidoso - suspeitoChinese (Simplified): 可疑的 - 怀疑的Chinese (Traditional): 可疑的 - 懷疑的Hindi: संदिग्ध - संदेहास्पदArabic: مريب - مشكوك فيهBengali: সন্দেহজনক - অবিশ্বাস্যRussian: сомнительныйJapanese: 疑わしい - 怪しいVietnamese: đáng ngờ - khả nghiKorean: 의심스러운 - 수상한Turkish: şüpheli - kuşkuluUrdu: مشتبہ - مشکوکIndonesian: meragukan - diragukan
Example Sentences
He looked dubious about the plan.
basic
The offer sounded dubious to me.
basic
Many people have dubious feelings about online shopping.
basic
I was dubious at first, but the results were amazing.
natural
That's a dubious claim—can you prove it?
natural
He has a dubious reputation in the business.
natural