English · Word Candidate

questioning

/ˈkwɛs.t͡ʃə.nɪŋ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: questionings

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The action of asking questions; a survey; an inquiry.

Noun

I didn’t know much about medical supplies, so I took the list Docc handed me without much questioning.

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).

Meaning · English

The act of challenging, wondering, and doubting.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Characterized by questions, inquisitiveness, doubt, or wonder; quizzical.

Adjective

Why do you have a questioning look? Are you puzzled about something?

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).

Meaning · English

Unsure of one's sexual orientation or gender identity.

Adjective

We entertain the boy and it becomes more evident that his dad is trans and he is questioning; my coworker keeps frowning about it.

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).

What does “questioning” mean?

The action of asking questions; a survey; an inquiry.

Is “questioning” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.