do-nothing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, often pejorative
Quick answer
What does “do-nothing” mean?
A person who is idle, lazy, or avoids work.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is idle, lazy, or avoids work; an inactive or ineffectual person.
Pertaining to a policy or attitude of deliberate inactivity or avoidance of action, especially in an official capacity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Usage is comparable, though slightly more common in political commentary in the US.
Connotations
Strongly negative, suggesting uselessness and passivity. Can imply moral failure or incompetence.
Frequency
Low-frequency word, used for deliberate emphasis or criticism.
Grammar
How to Use “do-nothing” in a Sentence
[be] a do-nothing[call someone] a do-nothing[accuse someone of being] a do-nothingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “do-nothing” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The do-nothing mayor was voted out of office.
- They criticised the do-nothing attitude of the council.
American English
- The senator attacked the president's do-nothing Congress.
- We need action, not a do-nothing committee.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to criticise unproductive employees or management perceived as passive.
Academic
Rare; may appear in political science or sociology texts discussing public policy inaction.
Everyday
Used in informal criticism of a lazy person.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “do-nothing”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “do-nothing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “do-nothing”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He do-nothings all day' – incorrect).
- Misspelling as 'do nothing' (two words) when used as a noun/adjective.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When used as a noun or adjective (meaning an idle person or a policy of inaction), it is hyphenated: 'do-nothing'. The separate phrase 'do nothing' (verb + pronoun) is grammatical but has a different function.
No, 'do-nothing' is exclusively a noun or an attributive adjective. It does not function as a verb.
They are very close synonyms. 'Good-for-nothing' is slightly older and can imply moral worthlessness, while 'do-nothing' focuses more on the lack of activity or productivity.
It is informal and often pejorative. It is not suitable for formal reports or academic writing unless used in a quoted criticism.
A person who is idle, lazy, or avoids work.
Do-nothing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈduː ˌnʌθ.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈduː ˌnʌθ.ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's a good-for-nothing do-nothing.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'DO NOTHING' sign on a person – they are instructed to take no action.
Conceptual Metaphor
INACTION IS A NEGATIVE SPACE (an empty void where action should be).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'do-nothing' LEAST likely to be used?