different between unknown vs questionable

English

Etymology

From un- +? known, past participle of know. Compare Old English ungecnawen.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?n?n??n/
• (US) enPR: ?n-n?n?, IPA^(key): /?n?no?n/

Adjective

unknown (comparative more unknown, superlative most unknown)

1. (sometimes postpositive) Not known; unidentified; not well known.

   Synonyms: anonymous, unfamiliar, uncharted, undiscovered, unexplored, unidentified, unnamed, unrecognized, unrevealed, unascertained, obscure, unsung

   Antonyms: well-known, famous, known

Derived terms

• unknown quantity

Translations

Noun

unknown (plural unknowns)

1. (algebra) A variable (usually x, y or z) whose value is to be found.
2. Any thing, place, or situation about which nothing is known; an unknown fact or piece of information.
3. A person of no identity; a nonentity
   • 1965, Bob Dylan, "Like a Rolling Stone"

     How does it feel

     To be on your own

     With no direction home

     Like a complete unknown

     Like a rolling stone?

Translations

Verb

unknown

1. past participle of unknow

English

Alternative forms

• quæstionable (archaic)

Etymology

question +? -able

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?kw?st???n?bl?/
• Hyphenation: ques?tio?nable

Adjective

questionable (comparative more questionable, superlative most questionable)

1. Problematic; open to doubt or challenge.

   It is questionable if the universe is open or closed.

   • 1881, Henry James, The Portrait of a Lady, London: Macmillan, Volume I, Chapter 3, p. 28,^[1]

     A crude, cold rain was falling heavily; the spring-time presented itself as a questionable improvement.

2. Of dubious respectability or morality.

   Tiffiny’s behavior is highly questionable.

   • 1920, Carolyn Wells, Raspberry Jam, Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott, Chapter 18, p. 302,^[2]

     […] he had a love of money—a sort of acquisitiveness, that led him into questionable dealings.

3. (obsolete) Inviting questions; inviting inquiry.
   • c. 1600, William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act I, Scene 4,^[3]

     Thou com’st in such a questionable shape

     That I will speak to thee.

Derived terms

Translations