doubtful skill
[ˈdaʊtfəl skɪl]
noun phrasepl: doubtful skills
habilidade duvidosa
1. A competence or ability whose effectiveness, reliability, or authenticity is questionable or uncertain
His doubtful skill at public speaking made the presentation uncomfortable for everyone.
Sua habilidade duvidosa em falar em público tornou a apresentação desconfortável para todos.
2. An ability that appears limited or questionable in quality or performance
The player's doubtful skill with the new equipment raised concerns about the team's strategy.
A habilidade duvidosa do jogador com o novo equipamento levantou preocupações sobre a estratégia do time.
3. A questionable or uncertain level of proficiency in a particular area
With doubtful skill in coding, he struggled to complete the software project.
Com habilidade duvidosa em programação, ele teve dificuldade em concluir o projeto de software.
In both Brazilian and American English contexts, 'doubtful skill' is commonly used in professional and educational settings to diplomatically describe someone's questionable competence. In Brazil, it may also be expressed more directly as 'falta jeito' (lacks the knack), while in formal Portuguese, 'habilidade questionável' maintains professional distance. The phrase reflects a cultural tendency to acknowledge weakness while maintaining politeness in communication.
Related Idioms & Phrases
barking up the wrong tree
jack of all trades, master of none
half-baked attempt
hit or miss
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