Back to Report
doubt · noun C or U /dɑʊt/Full view
Nouns: doubt
Adjectives: doubtful, doubtless
Verbs: doubt
Adverbs: undoubtedly
doubt
B1 when you are not certain about something, or do not trust someone or something
Dictionary examples:

I'm having doubts about his ability to do the job.

If there's any doubt about the rocket's engines, we ought to cancel the launch.

Learner example:

If you have any doubt, send me an e-mail. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Portuguese)

have no doubt
B1 to be certain
Dictionary examples:

I have no doubt (that) I made the right decision.

I never had any doubt (that) you would win.

Learner example:

Maria went with me, and I have no doubt she loved the lake like I did. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Portuguese)

there's no doubt
B1 it is certain
Dictionary example:

There is no doubt (that) he's a good player.

Learner example:

However, there is no doubt that it is a nice one. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Chinese)

be in doubt
B2 to not be certain
Dictionary example:

The future of the project is in doubt.

Learner example:

If you don't know the difference, or if you are in doubt, keep on reading. (First Certificate in English; B2; Danish)

without (a) doubt
B2 certainly
Dictionary example:

She is without doubt a great writer.

Learner example:

Without a doubt we all are influenced by fashion in a number of ways. (First Certificate in English; B2; Russian)

no doubt
C1 used to say that something is very likely
Dictionary example:

No doubt she'll spend the money on new clothes.

Learner example:

No doubt I will find the skills acquired [during] the course, especially speaking skills, most useful in my future contacts with clients from English-speaking countries. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Swedish)

cast doubt on sb/sth
C2 to make people feel uncertain about someone or something
Dictionary examples:

Witnesses have cast doubt on the suspect's innocence.

A leading scientist has cast doubts on government claims that the medication is safe.

Learner example:

Wars lead to suffering, tears and [the] death of many people. They cast doubt on our humanity and values, especially in countries where the right to live is the princip[al] one. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Polish)

beyond (a) doubt
C2 completely certain and without any doubt
Dictionary example:

It is beyond doubt that she the best students I’ve ever taught.

Learner example:

What I would regard as being my most treasured possession is beyond doubt my precious collection of books. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Italian)

beyond a/the shadow of a doubt
C2 If something is true beyond a shadow of a doubt, it is certainly true.
Dictionary example:

He convinced me , but it hasn't been proved beyond the shadow of a doubt.

Learner example:

It has been established beyond a shadow of a doubt that the growth in world population is one of the most compelling problems the Earth is facing. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

give sb the benefit of the doubt
C2 to choose to believe what someone tells you even though it may be wrong or a lie
Dictionary example:

She says her train was late, so I suppose we'd better give her the benefit of the doubt.

Learner example:

Every time our parents tell us ".. have you thought about it, are you sure you are not making a mistake?" we just answer "sure I have, no problem." Next time they do, let's give them the benefit of the doubt and let's think twice about the subject. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

doubt · verb T /dɑʊt/
Nouns: doubt
Adjectives: doubtful, doubtless
Verbs: doubt
Adverbs: undoubtedly
doubt (FEEL UNCERTAIN)
B2 to feel uncertain about something or to think that something is not probable
Dictionary examples:

I doubt whether/if I can finish the work on time.

I doubt (that) I'll get the job.

He may come back tomorrow with the money, but I very much doubt it.

Learner example:

She doubted if she could manage it at all. (First Certificate in English; B2; Russian)

doubt (NOT BELIEVE)
C1 to not believe someone or something
Dictionary example:

Do you have any reason to doubt her?

Learner example:

After I had closed that window again, I doubted my senses. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)

Cambridge logo