Words / C1

DYOOB-ee-uh-s/ˈdjuːbiəs/

Dubious means doubtful, or probably not honest or of good quality: a dubious claim, a dubious website. Doubtful is everyday and often about the speaker’s feeling; suspicious is closer for people and deals. Dubiously is the adverb. In speech, a bit iffy (informal British) or I doubt it is more natural. Use it when you smell a problem, not for a simple unknown.

Meaning

Doubtful, or probably not honest or of good quality.

Examples

• “The website looked dubious, so I did not pay.”
• “The statistics looked dubious once you saw the sample size.”
• “I am dubious about finishing both essays tonight.”

Good to know

Doubtful or shady. Everyday: doubtful / iffy (informal). Close: suspicious (of people/deals).

Near in meaning

doubtful

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