WordGarden.ioguarantee
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɡˌærɑːntˈiː/
US
- /ˌɡɛrənˈti/
Meanings
Verb
to promise or assure someone that something is true or will happen
to give a formal promise about a product, service, or obligation
to make certain that something will happen or have a result
Noun
a formal promise that something will be done, repaired, replaced, or refunded
certainty or assurance that something will happen
a promise or security to pay someone else's debt if needed
Beyond the definition
A guarantee is a firm promise or assurance, like a safety net. When you buy something with a guarantee, the seller promises to repair or replace it if it does not work properly. But the word is not only about products. You might guarantee your friend that you will be there for them, meaning you are making a very strong promise to help. The word often carries a sense of certainty and responsibility. A politician might guarantee lower taxes, though whether they can really deliver is another question.
To guarantee something means to promise it will definitely happen or be done, or to provide assurance against possible failure. It's a powerful word suggesting a strong commitment and a high degree of certainty. For example, "The company guarantees its products for one year" means they'll fix or replace them if there are issues within that time frame.
But guarantee isn't limited to material possessions. You can guarantee someone's safety, guarantee a result (though this is often risky!), or even guarantee your support. Saying, "I guarantee you won't regret trying the new restaurant," implies strong confidence in its quality.
The word also functions as a noun. A guarantee itself is the promise—the written document outlining the terms of repair or replacement, or simply the spoken assurance.
Historically, guarantees were often tied to legal agreements and financial security. Think of a guarantor on a loan—someone who promises to cover the debt if the borrower can't. While still relevant in those contexts, guarantee now permeates everyday language, signifying anything from a product's reliability to a heartfelt promise between friends. So whether it's backing up a claim with confidence or offering unwavering support, a guarantee is about providing assurance and taking responsibility for an outcome.
Examples
- 1
Ticket benefit
This ticket guarantees you a seat near the front.
- 2
Product warranty
The company guarantees that the phone will work for two years.
- 3
Uncertain arrival
We can't guarantee you'll get there before noon.
- 4
Education outcome
A good degree doesn't guarantee success.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Written promise
The watch comes with a two-year guarantee.
- 6
Privacy risk
There is no guarantee of privacy on a public Wi-Fi network.
- Patternno guarantee of + noun
no promise that you will have it
- 7
Refund promise
They offer a money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied.
- Phrasemoney-back guarantee
a promise to return your money
- 8
Uncertain claim
I can't guarantee it, but I think she'll say yes.
- PhraseI can't guarantee it
I'm not completely sure
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- money-back guarantee
- guarantee of success
- no guarantee
- under guarantee
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- guaranteenounverb
Forms
- guaranteedpast tenseverbnoun
- guaranteespluralnounverb
- guaranteeing-ing formverbnoun