1
Uncertain truth
Not convincing enough to accept confidently.
Example
The article rests on a dubious historical claim.
dubious
/ˈdjuːbiəs/ · DOO-bee-uhsadjective
Doubtful, questionable, or unlikely to be reliable.
Use dubious when the context supports this precise meaning: doubtful, questionable, or unlikely to be reliable.
What dubious Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Questionable quality
Of doubtful value or legitimacy.
Example
The device offered dubious benefits at a high cost.
3
Hesitant attitude
Feeling uncertain or suspicious.
Example
She was dubious about the unusually simple solution.
Use dubious Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The article rests on a dubious historical claim.
The device offered dubious benefits at a high cost.
She was dubious about the unusually simple solution.
Precision Matters
Dubious overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
dubious
vs.Means doubtful, questionable, or unlikely to be reliable.
credible
Means believable and worthy of trust.
dubious
vs.Means doubtful, questionable, or unlikely to be reliable.
skeptical
Means doubtful or inclined to question claims.
dubious
vs.Means doubtful, questionable, or unlikely to be reliable.
spurious
Means false, invalid, or not genuine despite appearing plausible.
dubious
vs.Means doubtful, questionable, or unlikely to be reliable.
sanguine
Means optimistic or confident, especially in a difficult situation.
Test dubious in Context
The supporting account is questionable rather than dependable.
1
Because the conclusion depends on an anonymous source whose story repeatedly changed, its credibility is ___.