adverb
Uncommon
doubtless
DOWT-luhs
Doubtless (adverb) means Almost certainly; very probably. Example: “He will doubtless complain about the schedule again.”
adverb
1
Almost certainly; very probably.
"He will doubtless complain about the schedule again."
"She is doubtless the most qualified candidate."
adjective
1
Free of doubt or uncertainty; certain.
"It is doubtless that the plan needs revising."
How to use doubtless
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAlmost certainly — a slightly formal way of saying "surely" or "no doubt."
Common mistake
Mostly used as an adverb ("doubtless he'll be late"), not as an everyday adjective — "no doubt" is the more common phrase in speech.
Common pairings
will doubtless
is doubtless
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He will _____ complain about the schedule again.
Etymology
From Middle English douteles — doubt plus -less, "without."
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “doubtless” mean?
The word “doubtless” means almost certainly; very probably. In plain terms, almost certainly — a slightly formal way of saying "surely" or "no doubt.".
How do you pronounce “doubtless”?
“Doubtless” is pronounced DOWT-luhs (/ˈdaʊ̯tləs/ in IPA).
How do you use “doubtless” in a sentence?
Here is “doubtless” used in a sentence: “He will doubtless complain about the schedule again.”
What part of speech is “doubtless”?
Depending on how it is used, “doubtless” can be an adverb and an adjective.
Where does the word “doubtless” come from?
The word “doubtless” comes from Middle English. From Middle English douteles — doubt plus -less, "without.".
Is “doubtless” a common word?
“Doubtless” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “doubtless” have?
“Doubtless” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: almost certainly; very probably.
