doubtful
/ˈdaʊtfəl/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: doubtfuls
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Subject to, or causing doubt.
Adjective
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Experiencing or showing doubt, skeptical.
Adjective
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
A doubtful person or thing.
Noun
Examples
They had their lists of Liberals and of the doubtfuls who still remained doubtful. As the election drew near, the force of the whole organization was turned upon these unrepentant doubtfuls.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “doubtful” mean?
Subject to, or causing doubt.
Is “doubtful” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.