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

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

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In the event of any violence, whether from protesters or agent provocateurs, the president will doubtless seize on it to expand his power.

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That’s doubtless because the biggest story of the past week has involved Jay Jones, the Democratic nominee for attorney general, fantasizing in leaked text messages about the murder of a political opponent and his family.

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He doubtless also believed that his government’s survival was in the national interest and made compromises to keep it afloat.

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Scottish ministers' generosity will doubtless be popular - in particular with those receiving the payments - but we should not pretend that it was an easy choice to make.

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Related Words

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