good-for-nothing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, colloquial, slightly dated/old-fashioned. Often pejorative.
Quick answer
What does “good-for-nothing” mean?
A person who is lazy, irresponsible, and contributes nothing of value.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is lazy, irresponsible, and contributes nothing of value.
Can describe any person, object, or concept that is useless, ineffective, or fails to serve its intended purpose; often implies moral disapproval.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood and used in both varieties with identical meaning. UK English may have a slightly stronger association with class-based disapproval.
Connotations
Both: Conveys a mixture of scorn and exasperation, often directed at a person failing to meet social/familial expectations.
Frequency
Somewhat old-fashioned in both, but still in use. Possibly slightly more frequent in British English due to a richer tradition of class-based insult vocabulary.
Grammar
How to Use “good-for-nothing” in a Sentence
He is a good-for-nothing.She called him a good-for-nothing.That good-for-nothing brother of mine!Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “good-for-nothing” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He's just another good-for-nothing politician making empty promises.
- She got tired of his good-for-nothing schemes.
American English
- That good-for-nothing car broke down again.
- He has a good-for-nothing attitude about work.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, considered unprofessional. Might be used very informally to describe a non-performing employee or a failed project.
Academic
Virtually never used in formal academic writing.
Everyday
Used in informal conversation, often within families or close communities, to express frustration with someone's lack of effort.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “good-for-nothing”
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “good-for-nothing”
- Writing as three separate words: 'good for nothing'. (Standard form is hyphenated.)
- Using it as a verb (*He good-for-nothings all day).
- Overusing in formal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is most commonly a noun ('He is a good-for-nothing'), but it is very frequently used attributively as a compound adjective before another noun ('a good-for-nothing brother'). It is not used as a verb or adverb.
Yes, it is pejorative and insulting. It expresses strong disapproval and contempt. It should be used with caution, if at all, in direct address.
'Lazy' describes a characteristic (unwilling to work). 'Good-for-nothing' is a stronger, more holistic label for a person deemed worthless and unproductive, implying their entire existence lacks value. It's an insult, not just a description.
Yes, though less common. It can be used metaphorically to describe anything deemed completely useless (e.g., 'This good-for-nothing gadget broke in a week').
A person who is lazy, irresponsible, and contributes nothing of value.
Good-for-nothing is usually informal, colloquial, slightly dated/old-fashioned. often pejorative. in register.
Good-for-nothing: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡʊd fə ˈnʌθɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡʊd fər ˈnʌθɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's not worth the powder and shot.”
- “A waste of skin.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a jar labelled 'GOOD' but when you open it, it's 'FOR NOTHING' — completely empty and useless, just like the person.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS A TOOL (that is broken/useless). HUMAN VALUE IS A COMMODITY (that this person lacks).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'good-for-nothing' be LEAST appropriate?