adjective

contentious

contentious, controversial, argumentative

It was a contentious decision to close the factory.

It was a contentious decision to close the factory.

He has a contentious personality.

He has a contentious personality.

a contentious issue/topic/subject A controversial subject. Politics is a contentious topic.

Synonyms: controversial, debatable, argumentative; Antonyms: agreeable, uncontroversial

From 'contention' + '-ous', an adjective-forming suffix. Literally means 'full of contention'.

A 'contentious' issue is one that people 'contend' over.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.