do without: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to Informal
Quick answer
What does “do without” mean?
To manage or survive despite not having something that is typically needed or desired.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To manage or survive despite not having something that is typically needed or desired.
To voluntarily or involuntarily forgo a particular item, person, or condition, often implying tolerance of resulting inconvenience or hardship.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant structural difference. British English may use the alternative phrasing 'go without' more frequently in some contexts.
Connotations
Equally common in both varieties with the same core meaning of managing despite a lack.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British English according to some corpora, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “do without” in a Sentence
[Subject] + do without + [Object (Noun/Noun Phrase)][Subject] + do withoutVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “do without” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We'll just have to do without a proper teapot.
- I can do without the hassle, thank you.
American English
- We can do without the extra meetings this week.
- A good mechanic is something you don't want to do without.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
We may have to do without the consultant's report for the initial proposal.
Academic
The experiment had to do without the calibrated sensor, which introduced a margin of error.
Everyday
If the supermarket's out of milk, we'll just have to do without.
Technical
The system is designed to do without external power for up to 48 hours.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “do without”
- *I can do without it. (Correct) vs. *I can do it without. (Incorrect word order)
- Using it with a following verb incorrectly: *I can do without to eat. (Incorrect) vs. I can do without eating. (Correct - requires gerund/noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not separable. The object always comes after 'without'. (e.g., I can do without *it*).
They are often interchangeable. 'Go without' can slightly emphasise the experience of lacking, while 'do without' can emphasise the active management of the situation. 'Go without' is also more common for basic necessities like food.
It is acceptable in most contexts but leans towards neutral/informal. In very formal academic or legal writing, alternatives like 'dispense with', 'forgo', or 'manage in the absence of' might be preferred.
A noun, pronoun, or gerund (-ing form). It cannot be followed by an infinitive (to + verb).
To manage or survive despite not having something that is typically needed or desired.
Do without: in British English it is pronounced /ˌduː wɪˈðaʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌduː wɪˈðaʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “can ill afford to do without”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'DO' as an action of managing, and 'WITHOUT' as the state of lack. You are DOing the action of living WITHOUT something.
Conceptual Metaphor
SURVIVAL IS NAVIGATING AN ABSENCE (Journey metaphor: progressing despite a missing resource).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'do without' correctly?