doubtless
Americanadverb
-
without doubt; certainly; surely; unquestionably.
-
probably or presumably.
adjective
adverb
-
certainly
-
probably
adjective
Related Words
Doubtless, undoubtedly, indubitably, unquestionably are adverbs that express certainty. Doubtless, although it sometimes denotes an absolute degree of certainty, more often means “probably,” “presumably,” or “no doubt”: She will doubtless accept the offer. Undoubtedly means “beyond doubt”: undoubtedly the most prolific and popular composer of his time. Indubitably and unquestionably both affirm an unassailable conviction; they differ only in tone, indubitably being appropriate to more formal or learned discourse and unquestionably appropriate in a wider range of contexts and styles: an indubitably (or unquestionably) accurate transliteration of the hieroglyphic text; unquestionably the hottest running back in the league.
Other Word Forms
- doubtlessness noun
Etymology
Origin of doubtless
First recorded in 1300–50, doubtless is from the Middle English word douteles. See doubt, -less
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Lorne Michaels doubtless has her on speed dial.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026
But he will doubtless hope to continue a post-season in which refereeing decisions have largely been uncontroversial -- with one major exception.
From Barron's • Feb. 3, 2026
While prosecutions doubtless have an impact, driving the trend to alternatives is the exhaustion of pre-sanctions stockpiles of old-growth timber.
From BBC • Feb. 2, 2026
Bove stepped down from the Southern District of New York just a month before the Juan Orlando Hernández indictment was handed down, and he doubtless knew all the details.
From Salon • Dec. 2, 2025
She probably went out there, probably once and then no more, and doubtless she did not ask, not even Judith, perhaps knowing she would not be told or perhaps because she was waiting.
From "Absalom, Absalom!" by William Faulkner
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
