Dictionary Information: Definition Doubtful - Description Meaning Thesaurus

Doubtful (Doubt"ful) (?), a.

1. Not settled in opinion; undetermined; wavering; hesitating in belief; also used, metaphorically, of the body when its action is affected by such a state of mind; as, we are doubtful of a fact, or of the propriety of a measure. "Methinks I should know you, and know this man; Yet I am doubtful." Shak. "With doubtful feet and wavering resolution." Milton.
2. Admitting of doubt; not obvious, clear, or certain; questionable; not decided; not easy to be defined, classed, or named; as, a doubtful case, hue, claim, title, species, and the like. "Beauty is but a vain and doubtful good." Shak. "Is it a great cruelty to expel from our abode the enemy of our peace, or even the doubtful friend [i. e., one as to whose sincerity there may be doubts]?" Bancroft.
3. Characterized by ambiguity; dubious; as, a doubtful expression; a doubtful phrase.
4. Of uncertain issue or event. "We . . . have sustained one day in doubtful fight." Milton. "The strife between the two principles had been long, fierce, and doubtful." Macaulay.
5. Fearful; apprehensive; suspicious. [Obs.] "I am doubtful that you have been conjunct And bosomed with her." Shak.

Synonyms -- Wavering; vacillating; hesitating; undetermined; distrustful; dubious; uncertain; equivocal; ambiguous; problematical; questionable.