debate
Describing a topic, statement, or decision that is open to discussion or argument because it is not yet proven or certain. It characterizes issues where people hold differing opinions and no single conclusion has been reached.
Examples
3 of 5Whether the movie was actually good is debatable, as opinions were split.
It is open to argument if the film was enjoyable, as people had different views.
The long-term economic benefits of the new tax policy remain highly debatable.
The enduring financial advantages of the tax rule are still very much subject to discussion.
It’s debatable if we’ll even get to the party before it ends.
It is uncertain and questionable whether we will arrive at the event in time.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'Debate' + 'Able'. If a topic is 'able' to be 'debated', it is 'debatable'—it isn't a finished, closed fact.
Quick Quiz
The success of the marketing strategy is ______, as sales have not increased significantly.
Correct!
The correct answer is: debatable
Examples
Whether the movie was actually good is debatable, as opinions were split.
everydayIt is open to argument if the film was enjoyable, as people had different views.
The long-term economic benefits of the new tax policy remain highly debatable.
formalThe enduring financial advantages of the tax rule are still very much subject to discussion.
It’s debatable if we’ll even get to the party before it ends.
informalIt is uncertain and questionable whether we will arrive at the event in time.
The precise dating of the volcanic eruption is a debatable subject among geologists.
academicThe exact timing of the eruption is a topic of scientific disagreement.
The projected return on investment for this project is debatable given the market volatility.
businessThe expected profits are uncertain because the market changes so frequently.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
open to debate
not yet decided or settled
up for debate
available to be discussed or changed
a matter of debate
something that people have different opinions about
Often Confused With
'Controversial' implies a topic causes strong public disagreement or anger, whereas 'debatable' simply means it is not yet a proven fact.
Usage Notes
This adjective is often used to introduce a counter-argument politely or to indicate that a fact is not universally accepted. It frequently precedes 'whether' or 'if' clauses.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the noun 'debate' as an adjective (e.g., 'a debate issue'). Use 'debatable' (e.g., 'a debatable issue') instead.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'Debate' + 'Able'. If a topic is 'able' to be 'debated', it is 'debatable'—it isn't a finished, closed fact.
Word Origin
From the Old French 'debatre' (to beat down, contend), combined with the suffix '-able' (capable of).
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
The success of the marketing strategy is ______, as sales have not increased significantly.
Correct!
The correct answer is: debatable
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
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