questionable
Open to doubt
Questionable describes something that invites doubt or suspicion.
A questionable decision may be unwise; questionable ethics may be corrupt; a questionable claim lacks solid evidence.
The word often serves as polite understatement—calling something questionable frequently means the speaker considers it wrong or false but isn't saying so directly: His motives are questionable.
Uncertain of truth
- suspiciousInclined to distrust
- fishyArousing doubt, colloquially
- shadyDisreputable or sun-blocked
- sketchyIncomplete or suspicious
iffy · suspect · unreliable · untrustworthy · implausible · unconvincing · speculative · uncertain
Disreputable or sun-blocked
- underhandedSecretly dishonest or unfair
- furtiveSecretive and sly
- secretiveInclined to conceal
- covertIntentionally concealed
clandestine · surreptitious · sneaky · evasive · deceptive · scheming · conniving · devious
Causing public dispute
- disputableAble to be challenged
- contentiousInclined toward disagreement
- arguableOpen to dispute
- contestableAble to be challenged
moot · disputed · challengeable · refutable · controvertible · unsettled · unresolved · divisive
Violating moral standards
- immoralContrary to ethical principles
- improperLacking in propriety
- inappropriateNot suitable or fitting
- unseemlyInappropriate for the occasion
indecent · disreputable · dishonorable · unscrupulous · unprincipled · corrupt · wrongful · objectionable
doubtful
Uncertain of truth
- suspiciousInclined to distrust
- fishyArousing doubt, colloquially
- shadyDisreputable or sun-blocked
sketchy · iffy · suspect · unreliable · untrustworthy · implausible · unconvincing · speculative · uncertain · tenuous
shady
Disreputable or sun-blocked
- underhandedSecretly dishonest or unfair
- furtiveSecretive and sly
- secretiveInclined to conceal
covert · clandestine · surreptitious · sneaky · evasive · deceptive · scheming · conniving · devious · untrustworthy
controversial
Causing public dispute
- disputableAble to be challenged
- contentiousInclined toward disagreement
- arguableOpen to dispute
contestable · moot · disputed · challengeable · refutable · controvertible · unsettled · unresolved · divisive · polarizing
unethical
Violating moral standards
- immoralContrary to ethical principles
- improperLacking in propriety
- inappropriateNot suitable or fitting
unseemly · indecent · disreputable · dishonorable · unscrupulous · unprincipled · corrupt · wrongful · objectionable · reproachable
substandard
Below required quality
defective · flawed · faulty · second-rate · low-grade · mediocre · unsatisfactory · cheap · deficient · inadequate
- uncertaintyuncertainty, uncertain, unknown, unsure, unclear
- Unlikelyunlikely, improbable, doubtful, dubious, remote
- unbelievableunbelievable, incredible, inconceivable, implausible, unthinkable
- certaintycertain, sure, uncertain, unsure, definite
- suspiciondistrust, suspicion, mistrust, suspiciousness, doubt
- Unknown Statusmissing, pending, undetermined, unconfirmed, unverified
questionableunquestionable
Cannot be challenged
indisputable · certain · undeniable · incontrovertible · indubitable
questionablehonorable
Having high moral standards
reputable · unimpeachable · above reproach · beyond reproach · irreproachable
questionablereliable
Consistently performing as expected
dependable · sound · trustworthy · credible · solid