B1adjectivesocietymedia
US/ˌkɑːn.trəˈvɜːr.ʃəl/
UK/ˌkɒn.trəˈvɜː.ʃəl/
causing a lot of public disagreement or strong feelings
In context
The plan to cut down old trees in the city center was highly controversial.
The minister made a controversial comment about young people and hard work.
Euthanasia remains one of the most controversial issues in medical ethics.
Words that go with controversial
adverb + adjective
- highly controversialThe decision to raise school fees was highly controversial.
- deeply controversialThe new surveillance law is deeply controversial.
adjective + noun
- controversial issueImmigration is a controversial issue in many European countries.
- controversial decisionThe referee made a controversial decision in the final minute.
- controversial figureHe remains a controversial figure in the country's history.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
This is a very controversy topic.Correct: This is a very controversial topic.