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dubious meaning and examples

2025-09-08

Meaning

Dubious is an adjective that means:

  1. Doubtful, uncertain, or unsure about something.
  2. Questionable, suspicious, or not to be trusted.
  3. Of doubtful quality or morality.

Grammar and Usage

  • Part of speech: Adjective

  • Used to describe people, feelings, or things that cause doubt or suspicion.

  • Typical patterns:

    • be dubious about sth (having doubts)
    • a dubious claim/statement/character (suspicious or questionable)

Common Phrases

  • dubious about something – feeling uncertain or skeptical.
  • of dubious quality – of questionable standard.
  • a dubious character – someone untrustworthy or suspicious.

Collocations

  • dubious decision
  • dubious claim
  • dubious reputation
  • dubious honor
  • dubious business practices

Examples

  1. She looked dubious about his explanation.
  2. The company made a dubious claim about the product’s effectiveness.
  3. His story seemed rather dubious to the police.
  4. They were involved in dubious business practices.
  5. It’s of dubious quality, so I wouldn’t buy it.
  6. He gave me a dubious look when I mentioned the plan.
  7. The politician’s dubious connections raised many questions.
  8. She was dubious about accepting the offer.
  • doubtful
  • uncertain
  • suspicious
  • questionable
  • skeptical

Antonym

  • certain
  • reliable
  • trustworthy
  • credible