What does "guarantee" mean?

1. (to promise an outcome) to promise that something will definitely happen or be true. 2. (to make certain) to make it certain that something will happen. 3. (a product warranty) a written promise from a company to fix a product if it breaks within a certain time. 4. (an assurance) something that makes you sure that a particular thing will happen. 5. (financial security) money or property given as a promise that a debt will be paid.

guarantee

v. · n.

US //ˌɡɛɹənˈti// UK //ɡˌæɹɑːntˈiː// guar·an·tee

1 to promise an outcome (v.)
B1 Intermediate

to promise that something will definitely happen or be true.

to provide a formal assurance or promise that a specific condition will be fulfilled or an event will occur.

Example

The travel agent could not guarantee that the weather would be sunny during our trip.

Example

While the investment firm can offer historical data, they cannot guarantee future returns in such a volatile market environment.
2 to make certain (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to make it certain that something will happen.

to make an outcome certain or inevitable.

Example

Winning this final game will guarantee the team a place in the championships.

Example

The implementation of these rigorous safety protocols will effectively guarantee a significant reduction in workplace accidents over the coming year.
- ensure
- secure
- endanger
- jeopardize

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3 a product warranty (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a written promise from a company to fix a product if it breaks within a certain time.

a formal, often written, assurance that a product will meet certain standards of quality or be repaired/replaced if found defective.

Example

The new refrigerator comes with a five-year guarantee on all parts and labour.

Example

The consumer decided to purchase the extended guarantee, providing peace of mind against potential mechanical failure after the manufacturer's initial period expired.
- warranty
- contract
4 an assurance (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

something that makes you sure that a particular thing will happen.

a thing that serves as an assurance that a certain condition or event will be fulfilled.

Example

There is no guarantee of success in this business, even if you work very hard.

Example

The treaty provides a diplomatic guarantee that both nations will respect the established maritime borders without further military intervention.
5 financial security (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

money or property given as a promise that a debt will be paid.

a formal pledge, such as a sum of money or property, given as security for the fulfilment of an obligation or debt.

Example

He used his house as a guarantee for the large business loan he took from the bank.

Example

The bank required a personal guarantee from the company directors before approving the credit facility for the new infrastructure project.

Origin

From Old French guarantie (perhaps via a later Spanish garante), from the verb guarantir (“to protect, assure, vouch for”), ultimately from Old Frankish warjand, warand (“a warrant”), or from guaranty. Doublet of guaranty and warranty.