English Reference
Adverb

undoubtedly

adv. sent.
C1 Advanced Oxford US /ənˈdaʊtɪdɫi/ UK /ʌndˈaʊtɪdli/ un·doubt·ed·ly

adv.used to say that something is definitely true and nobody can argue with it. You use it when you are completely sure about a fact or an opinion.

adv.without any doubt; certainly. Functions as a sentence-modifying disjunct to emphasize the speaker's certainty regarding the truth of a proposition.


SIMPLE

She is undoubtedly the best player on the team.

CONTEXTUAL

The new policy is undoubtedly a step in the right direction for environmental protection.

COMPLEX

While the initial investment is high, the long-term benefits of renewable energy are undoubtedly superior to those of fossil fuels.

Usage

Typically placed before the main verb, after the auxiliary verb, or at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis.

Pitfall
It is undoubtedly that he will win.He will undoubtedly win.

Undoubtedly is an adverb and cannot be used as a predicate adjective following 'It is'; use 'undoubted' or 'beyond doubt' in that structure.

Usage undoubtedly lead · undoubtedly make · undoubtedly provide

David Willetts, the Conservative former universities minister and an architect of higher tuition fees, said universities were undoubtedly “under increasing financial pressure and that’s mainly because of the freeze in fees for eight years”.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

Although Israel will undoubtedly be seen as the target of the rule change, it will also affect Ukraine, which has been engaged in a protracted war since it was invaded by Russia in 2022.

BBC News· 13 Aug 2026

From Middle English undoutedly, equivalent to undoubted + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English undoutedly
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated