disputed

[ dih-spyoo-tid ]

adjective

1. argued or debated about:

   Just when and where the religious practice of the “camp meeting” originated is a disputed question.

2. argued against; called into question:

   He stood by his widely disputed claim that margarine is better for you than butter.

3. quarreled or fought over; contested:

   As negotiations continue, the security situation in the disputed territories is tense and shows signs of escalating.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of dispute.

Other Words From

• un·dis·put·ed adjective
• un·dis·put·ed·ly adverb
• well-dis·put·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disputed¹

First recorded in 1605–15; dispute ( def ) + -ed ²( def ) for the adjective senses; dispute ( def ) + -ed ¹( def ) for the verb sense

Example Sentences

Last month Macron made a state visit to Morocco, during which he declared French support for Moroccan claims to sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara.

From BBC

The row comes at a time of worsening tensions between Algeria and France, triggered by President Emmanuel Macron’s recent recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara.

From BBC

University officials disputed the union’s allegations, saying in a statement that “we fundamentally disagree with AFSCME’s claims of bad faith bargaining and characterization of unacceptable bargaining proposals.”

From Los Angeles Times

He said the city’s funding withdrawal led him to believe the project was not financially viable, a claim the developers disputed.

From Los Angeles Times

He disputed the idea that jurors’ identities were meant to be kept secret, arguing Olmedo’s ruling only hid information contained in “the forms that the jurors fill out relating to their jury service.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• debatable
• moot
• unchallenged
• undecided
• undetermined
• unnoticed
• unsettled