B2adjectivepsychologylanguage
US/ˈdaʊt.fəl/
UK/ˈdaʊt.fəl/
not likely, or not certain to be true or to happen
In context
It is doubtful that the road will be finished before the rainy season starts.
She looked doubtful when he promised to pay back the money by Friday.
The origin of the painting is doubtful, so experts are still testing it.
Words that go with doubtful
adverb + adjective
- highly doubtfulIt is highly doubtful that he will come.
- rather doubtfulThe plan sounds rather doubtful to me.
adjective + preposition
- doubtful aboutI am doubtful about his new business idea.
- doubtful ofShe was doubtful of his promise.
adjective + noun
- doubtful futureThe factory has a doubtful future.
- doubtful valueThe old coins are of doubtful value.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I am doubt about this plan.Correct: I am doubtful about this plan.