different between debatable vs doubtful

English

Etymology

From Old French debatable (French débattable).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): [d??be?t?b??]

Adjective

debatable (comparative more debatable, superlative most debatable)

1. Open to debate; not fully proved or confirmed.

   Those data are debatable: no one has been able to replicate them.

   It's debatable whether he is the best candidate for the position.

2. Able to be debated; up for discussion.

   The lack of bonuses this year is not debatable.

Derived terms

• debatably

Translations

Noun

debatable (plural debatables)

1. A topic that is open to debate.
   • 1988, Ray Barr, 1,001 medical facts for every home (page 314)

     Just how many glaucoma patients there are in the United States and just how prevalent is the disease are two unknowns or at least two debatables.

English

Alternative forms

• doubtfull (archaic)

Etymology

From Middle English doutfull, douteful, equivalent to doubt +? -ful.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?da?tf?l/
• Hyphenation: doubt?ful

Adjective

doubtful (comparative more doubtful, superlative most doubtful)

1. Subject to, or causing doubt.
2. Experiencing or showing doubt, sceptical.
3. Undecided or of uncertain outcome.
4. (obsolete) Fearsome, dreadful.
5. Improbable or unlikely.
6. Suspicious, or of dubious character.
7. Unclear or unreliable.

Derived terms

• doubtfully
• doubtfulness

Translations

Noun

doubtful (plural doubtfuls)

1. A doubtful person or thing.
   • 1976, Kenneth Gibbons, Donald Cameron Rowat, Political Corruption in Canada: Cases, Causes and Cures (page 45)

     They had their lists of Liberals and of the doubtfuls who still remained doubtful. As the election drew near, the force of the whole organization was turned upon these unrepentant doubtfuls.