doubtless

[ dout-lis ]

adverb

1. without doubt; certainly; surely; unquestionably.
2. probably or presumably.

adjective

1. free from doubt or uncertainty; certain, sure.

doubtless

/ ˈdaʊtlɪs /

adverb

1. certainly
2. probably

adjective

1. certain; assured

Derived Forms

• ˈdoubtlessness, noun

Other Words From

• doubtless·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of doubtless¹

First recorded in 1300–50, doubtless is from the Middle English word douteles. See doubt, -less

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

Americans would doubtless prefer to think that nothing like that could happen in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.

From Salon

All of these factors doubtless played a role in causing a significant slice of the American people to lose their minds, but they emerged in a complex interplay with the historical events of the last quarter-century.

From Salon

He said: "The nationalists’ broken promises mean taxpayers will need to shell out millions more, not just on the Tomatin-Moy section but doubtless on all other stretches too."

From BBC

Going forward Scotland’s players, who have been contracted since 2022, would doubtless benefit from more matches against full members.

From BBC

Doubtless the psychological boost from dismissing Wolvaardt for single figures would have lifted them in the field, even if South Africa's bowlers would likely have still had too much.

From BBC

Related Words

• absolutely
• clearly
• presumably
• surely
• undoubtedly
• unequivocally
• unquestionably