26984 words

doubts

9 definitions • 23 examples
1
(a feeling of) not being certain about something, especially about how good or true it is:

Examples:

have doubts about I'm having doubts about his ability to do the job.
doubt about If there's any doubt about the rocket's engines, we ought to cancel the launch.
doubt over The company's actions have cast doubt over its ability to rescue the loss-making business.
raise doubts This latest scandal has raised doubts about whether he could win the election.
[ + (that) ] I never had any doubt (that) you would win.
no doubt about that He's the most attractive man in the room, no doubt about that.
no doubt about it No doubt about it, that's the best game I have seen since last year.
2
used to emphasize that what you are saying is true or likely to happen:

Examples:

We will, no doubt, discuss these issues again at the next meeting.
3
to make something seem uncertain:

Examples:

Witnesses have cast doubt on the accused's innocence.
4
If the future or success of someone or something is in doubt, it is unlikely to continue or to be successful:

Examples:

The future of the stadium is in doubt because of a lack of money.
5
used to emphasize your opinion:

Examples:

She is without (a) doubt the best student I have ever taught.
6
to not feel certain or confident about something or to think that something is not probable:

Examples:

doubt whether I doubt whether I can finish the work on time.
doubt if I doubt if anyone knows where the key to this lock is.
[ + that ] They had begun to doubt that it could be done.
He may come back tomorrow with the money, but I very much doubt it.
I don't doubt his abilities.
7
to not trust someone or believe what they say:

Examples:

He's never lied to me before, so I have no reason to doubt his word.
8
a feeling of not knowing what to believe or what to do, or the condition of being uncertain:

Examples:

[ C ] If you have any doubt about her ability, don’t hire her.
[ + that clause ] There’s no doubt that the show will be successful.
[ U ] The future of the entire project is in some doubt.
[ C ] She is without a doubt (= certainly) one of the best students I’ve ever had.
9
to be uncertain about something or someone, or to have difficulty believing something:

Examples:

[ T ] He may come back tomorrow with the money, but I doubt it.

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