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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 notes

In 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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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He will _____ complain about the schedule again.

Etymology

From Middle English douteles — doubt plus -less, "without."

Origin: Middle English

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.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial