# doubt

/ˈdaʊt/ (US) · /dˈaʊt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/doubt
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. uncertainty

noun · CEFR B1

the feeling of being unsure if something is true or if it will happen.

For teachers: a state of uncertainty or lack of conviction. Often used uncountably to describe a general feeling or countably to refer to specific concerns.

- There is no doubt that the weather is getting warmer every year.
- Despite the initial success of the pilot program, some lingering doubt remained among the board members regarding long-term financial sustainability.

### 2. to be unsure

verb · CEFR B1

to feel unsure about something or to think that something might not be true.

For teachers: to lack confidence in or to be inclined to disbelieve a proposition or person. Usually transitive, taking a direct object or a 'that' clause.

- I doubt that we will finish the project by tomorrow morning.
- Economists doubt whether the current growth rate can be maintained without significant structural reforms to the labor market.

### 3. to suspect

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to think that something bad might be true, even if you are not sure.

For teachers: to harbor a suspicion or to suspect that a negative condition exists. This usage is slightly more formal and often implies a sense of caution.

- The doctor began to doubt that the patient had a more serious infection.
- The investigators began to doubt a connection between the two incidents, though they lacked the evidence to prove a conspiracy.

## Examples

- I have some doubts about his plan.
- The detective expressed doubt about the witness's testimony after finding contradictions in the timeline.
- In an age of information overload, healthy skepticism is essential, but it must not curdle into a corrosive doubt that paralyzes all action and belief.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.