can-do: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal to semi-formal
Quick answer
What does “can-do” mean?
A positive, proactive attitude that shows readiness and confidence to take on tasks or solve problems.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A positive, proactive attitude that shows readiness and confidence to take on tasks or solve problems.
A character trait or organizational culture marked by enthusiasm, initiative, resourcefulness, and a willingness to find solutions rather than dwell on obstacles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The hyphen is standard in both varieties. The term is used similarly, but its frequency and idiomatic embedding may be slightly higher in American business and self-help contexts.
Connotations
Mostly positive, denoting enthusiasm. Can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation of being overly optimistic, naive, or simplistic in complex situations (e.g., "mere can-do attitude"). This critical nuance is more likely in British usage.
Frequency
More frequent in American English, particularly in business, management, and motivational language.
Grammar
How to Use “can-do” in a Sentence
[can-do] + noun (attitude, spirit)[have a] + can-do + attitude[be] + can-do (informal, as adjective)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “can-do” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - 'can-do' is not a verb.
American English
- N/A - 'can-do' is not a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - 'can-do' is not a standard adverb.
American English
- N/A - 'can-do' is not a standard adverb.
adjective
British English
- The charity's can-do ethos inspired many volunteers.
- We need more of that can-do spirit in the department.
American English
- She brought a can-do energy to the startup that was contagious.
- His can-do approach got the project back on track.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe a desirable employee mindset or company culture: 'We're looking for candidates with a real can-do approach to client challenges.'
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing. May appear in case studies on management, organizational behavior, or social psychology.
Everyday
Used to describe someone's helpful and positive nature: 'Our new neighbour has a fantastic can-do attitude; she fixed our fence in an afternoon.'
Technical
Not a technical term. May be used in project management or HR discourse informally.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “can-do”
- Using it as a verb: 'He can-do this task' (incorrect). It's an adjective: 'He has a can-do attitude.'
- Forgetting the hyphen when used as a compound adjective before a noun: 'a can do attitude' (incorrect) vs. 'a can-do attitude' (correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'can-do' is never used as a verb. It functions as a compound adjective (a can-do attitude) or, less commonly, as a noun (full of can-do).
Mostly yes, but it can sometimes be used critically to imply a naive or overly simplistic optimism that ignores real complexities.
'Proactive' emphasizes taking action in anticipation of future events. 'Can-do' emphasizes a positive, confident, and resourceful mindset when faced with any task or problem.
Yes, when it is used as a compound adjective before a noun (can-do attitude). It may sometimes appear without a hyphen in more noun-like uses, but the hyphenated form is standard and recommended.
A positive, proactive attitude that shows readiness and confidence to take on tasks or solve problems.
Can-do is usually informal to semi-formal in register.
Can-do: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkæn duː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæn ˌduː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Where there's a will, there's a way.”
- “Make it happen.”
- “Get things done.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a tin CAN that can DO anything. Imagine a tin can with arms and legs, cheerfully tackling tasks.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBLEMS ARE OBSTACLES, and a CAN-DO ATTITUDE IS A TOOL/POWER for overcoming them.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'can-do' LEAST likely to be used?