Doubtful

Pronunciation

Alternative forms

• doubtfull archaic

Origin

From doubt + -ful.

Full definition of doubtful

Adjective

1. Subject to, or causing doubt
2. Experiencing or showing doubt, sceptical
3. Undecided or of uncertain outcome
4. (obsolete) Fearsome, dreadful.
• 1485, Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur, Book XIV:‘With whom,’ seyde Sir Percivale, ‘shall I fyght?’ ‘With the moste douteful champion of the worlde ....’
5. Improbable or unlikely
6. Suspicious, or of dubious character
7. Unclear or unreliable
• 1922, E.R. Eddison, The Worm Ouroboros, The pupils of her great eyes were large in the doubtful lamplight, swallowing their green fires in deep pools of mystery and darkness.