questionably

IPA/ˈkwestʃənəbli/
IPA/ˈkwestʃənəbli/

questionably — adverb

1. in a manner that makes people doubt whether a claim, statement, or piece of info

1.副詞C1
釋義

in a manner that makes people doubt whether a claim, statement, or piece of information is actually true or reliable

例句

The report's statistics were questionably sourced, so the editor asked for proof.

questionably + passive verb (were sourced)

Caleb claimed his painting was from the 17th century, but its origin was questionably recorded.

同義詞
  • doubtfully

    focuses on personal uncertainty rather than the reliability of the evidence

  • suspiciously

    stronger connotation of wrongdoing or deception

  • dubiously

    very close in meaning; slightly more formal and literary

反義詞
  • reliably

    suggests information can be trusted without doubt

  • undoubtedly

    expresses certainty, the opposite of doubt

文法句型

questionably + verb

questionably + adjective

用法筆記

Subject is most often a document, data set, claim, or other evidence whose reliability is in doubt. Frequently paired with a passive construction (was questionably sourced, were questionably handled).

常見錯誤

❌His story sounded questionably.
✅His story sounded questionable.
💡'questionably' is an adverb; a linking verb like 'sounded' requires an adjective ('questionable').
❌The data was questionably false.
✅The data was questionably presented.
💡'questionably' adds doubt about truthfulness, so it cannot modify a word ('false') that already states a definite falsehood.

2. in a way that suggests dishonest, unfair, or ethically unacceptable behaviour, e

2.副詞C1
釋義

in a way that suggests dishonest, unfair, or ethically unacceptable behaviour, especially in business or official matters

例句

The charity was run questionably, with most donations covering staff costs rather than aid.

past participle + questionably (was run questionably)

Hassan suspected the contractor had acted questionably when he demanded cash only.

同義詞
  • dishonestly

    stronger and more direct; states that deception occurred

  • unethically

    more formal; common in professional or academic contexts

  • suspiciously

    focuses on the appearance of wrongdoing rather than the act itself

反義詞
  • ethically

    suggests behaviour that meets moral standards

  • honourably

    British spelling; emphasises integrity and fairness

文法句型

questionably + verb

questionably + adjective (past participle)

用法筆記

Commonly describes financial practices, contract terms, or organisational behaviour where ethical boundaries may have been crossed. The moral judgement is implied, not directly stated.

常見錯誤

❌He questionably lied to the judge.
✅He testified questionably, contradicting earlier statements.
💡If someone definitely lied, 'questionably' adds nothing; use it when the truthfulness itself is at issue.