adj
Uncommon
debatable
dih-BAY-tuh-buh
Debatable (adj) means not clearly settled — open to argument or doubt. Example: “Whether the referee's decision was fair is highly debatable.”
adj
1
Not clearly settled — open to argument or doubt.
"Whether the referee's decision was fair is highly debatable."
"It's debatable whether the new policy actually saved any money."
How to use debatable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething people could reasonably argue about either way.
Common pairings
highly debatable
a debatable point
it's debatable whether
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like debatable.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- debatables
- Comparative
- more debatable
- Superlative
- most debatable
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Whether the referee's decision was fair is highly _____.
Etymology
From Old French debatable, built from "debate" + the suffix "-able."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for debatable
See all rhymes for debatable →Frequently asked questions
What does “debatable” mean?
The word “debatable” means not clearly settled — open to argument or doubt. In plain terms, something people could reasonably argue about either way.
How do you pronounce “debatable”?
“Debatable” is pronounced dih-BAY-tuh-buh ([dɪˈbeɪtəbəɫ] in IPA).
How do you use “debatable” in a sentence?
Here is “debatable” used in a sentence: “Whether the referee's decision was fair is highly debatable.”
What part of speech is “debatable”?
“Debatable” is an adjective.
Where does the word “debatable” come from?
The word “debatable” comes from Old French. From Old French debatable, built from "debate" + the suffix "-able.".
Is “debatable” a common word?
“Debatable” is an uncommon word in modern English.
