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

Other Word Forms

• doubtlessness 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

She took it, but she had already decided where she would walk and she did not want the children to know, as they would doubtless want to come with her.

Read more on Literature

Dickens fans will doubtless remember some of the droller names of the characters in his novels, elaborated in the journal he called his Book of Memoranda.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Vance not only wants to be president, but he also has a well-financed machine backing him, and they will doubtless want a good return on their investment in his future.

Read more on Salon

In the meantime, the air strikes and killings will doubtless continue — with even more escalations likely.

Read more on Salon

Fifteen remain, and doubtless Hamas will find them, too, when pressure increases.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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