doubtful ability

[/ˈdaʊtfəl əˈbɪləti/]
noun phrasepl: doubtful abilities
capacidade duvidosa
1. A skill or competence that is uncertain, questionable, or not clearly demonstrated
His doubtful ability to manage the project raised concerns among the stakeholders.
Sua capacidade duvidosa de gerenciar o projeto levantou preocupações entre os interessados.
2. Limited or unclear competence in performing a specific task or function
The new employee's doubtful ability in programming made the team hesitant to assign him complex tasks.
A capacidade duvidosa do novo funcionário em programação deixou o time hesitante em atribuir-lhe tarefas complexas.
In professional and academic contexts in Brazil, describing someone's 'capacidade duvidosa' is typically used as a diplomatic way to express concern about competence without direct confrontation. In American business culture, the phrase is often used in evaluations and assessments to flag performance concerns or training needs.
NYC Slang
sketch skills / sus abilities
Synonyms / Sinônimos
questionable abilityuncertain competencedubious skilllimited capabilityunproven talent
Antonyms / Antônimos
proven abilityclear competenceundeniable skilldemonstrated expertisecertain capability

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
capacidade duvidosa
Most common formal usage
Brazil (colloquial)
habilidade questionável
Slightly less formal alternative
Brazil (informal)
capacidade meio fraca
Casual conversational usage
Portugal
capacidade duvidosa
Same as Brazilian Portuguese in formal contexts

Related Words

incompetenceuncertaintyskepticismdoubtcapabilityproficiency

Related Idioms & Phrases

to be of doubtful ability
doubtful ability to perform
questionable at best
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