What does "arguably and inarguably" mean and when should we use the terms?

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DEFINITIONS

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Arguably
- able to be argued
- it may be argued (used to qualify the statement of an opinion or belief)
- just an opinion, so the point can be argued/debated
- not certain
- arguably the best means there are reasons to believe he is the best
- used when stating an opinion or belief that you think can be shown to be true
- a convincing argument can be made for (not against) the allegation, though it's not provable

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For example:
- He is arguably the world's best football player.
- Arguably, the drug should not have been made available.
 

Inarguably/unarguably:
- not arguable: it cannot be argued: unquestionably: not open to doubt or debate
- you are certain
- definitely, not challengeable
- the point can't be argued, so should be accepted as fact.

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For example:
- Inarguably, Antarctica is one of the coldest places on earth.
- Inarguably, the USA is the richest country in the world.

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synonyms:  assuredly, certainly, clearly, definitely, doubtless, incontestably, incontrovertibly, indisputably, unarguably, undeniably, undoubtedly, without a doubt, unquestionably, without question

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Adverbs like "absolutely", "certainly", and "surely" are far more frequently used than "unarguably".<o:p></o:p>

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What seems to be the correct usage
If he's unarguably the best, then no one can argue about it. He is the best.
If he's arguably the best, then some people can argue about it. He may be the best, but it can be argued, maybe there is someone better.

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The Problem
Arguably is often used when the statement/argument seems to be inarguable.
For example:  The USA is arguably the richest country in the world.

In fact, a Google search of the term arguable shows that it is used 70 times more often than inarguable.

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However, that doesn't seem to be how it's used. Let's say something is arguably the best in the world. Does that supposedly mean it IS the best — or that this is subject to argument?<o:p></o:p>

“That's arguably a good question.”

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Now, what did I mean by THAT? The primary meaning of the adverb "arguably" is "able to be argued." So, if you were to say, "Jane is arguably an expert," you'd be saying that a strong case could be made that she's an expert.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>But the adjective "arguable" DOES have two opposite meanings: "it can be plausibly or convincingly argued," as in, "It's arguable that Jane is an expert," OR "open to argument, dispute or question," as in "It's arguable whether Jane is an expert."

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<o:p> </o:p>Unfortunately, the ambiguity of "arguable" has tainted its adverbial sister, "arguably." That's why people sometimes use "arguably" to mean "able to be disputed or questioned." So the statement "Jane is arguably an expert" could mean, "it's debatable whether she's an expert."

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</o:p>What to do?
Desperate situations demand desperate solutions, and here's mine: Don't use "arguably." I issue this edict for two reasons: 1. "arguably" is ambiguous, and 2. "arguably" allows people to hedge their bets.

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If you're not sure, say, "Jane may be an expert." If you are sure, say, "Jane is an expert."

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My recommendation... Ditch "arguably."<o:p></o:p>

In conclusion

Inarguably is used when there is no doubt as to the conclusion.
Arguably is reserved for opinions.

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Your Input<o:p></o:p>

Do you sometimes find it confusing when people use the term “arguably”?
I know I do.
What about you?<o:p></o:p>