easy
I was doubtful that it would snow.
What does Doubtful mean?
Doubtful means unsure or unlikely.
Dictionary definition
Not sure, uncertain, or unlikely to happen.
Example sentences
Doubtful in a sentence
medium
The coach was doubtful about playing outside in the rain.
hard
The evidence was weak, so the claim seemed doubtful.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice doubtful in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Doubtful
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does doubtful mean?
Doubtful means not sure, uncertain, or unlikely to happen.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses doubtful correctly?
This sentence uses doubtful to mean unsure or uncertain.
Practice 3
Which word is an antonym of doubtful?
Certain means sure, which is the opposite of doubtful.
Practice complete
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Doubtful
Voice settings
Sounds like
dowt · ful · strongest beat: dowt
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordDoubtful.
Partadjective.
MeaningDoubtful means unsure or unlikely.
ExampleExample: I was doubtful that it would snow.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- dowt · ful
- Strongest beat
- dowt
- Ending
- ful
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on dowt.
Your turn
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Synonyms
Words like Doubtful
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice doubtful synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The scientist remained skeptical until the data was repeated by another lab," then compare close word choices. Practice doubtful synonyms.
Word family
Doubtful word family
Base word
doubt
adjective
doubtful
Unsure or unlikely.
adverb
doubtfully
In an uncertain or doubtful way.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Doubtful
Hint for students
Doubtful means unsure or unlikely.
Common mix-up
Doubtful is not the same as certain. Doubtful means doubtful means unsure or unlikely.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: The coach was doubtful about playing outside in the rain. Clue words: coach, about, playing. Underline clue words that show why doubtful fits instead of certain. Now write one new sentence that shows doubtful without using the word doubtful. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show doubtful?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The coach was doubtful about playing outside in the rain." Why does doubtful fit better than certain?
Learning activities
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