Is 'no-show' one word, hyphenated, or two words?

It is most commonly and correctly written with a hyphen: no-show. Some dictionaries list it as two words ('no show'), but the hyphenated form is standard in edited writing.

Can 'no-show' be used as a verb?

Not in standard English. While you might hear informal constructions like 'He no-showed', it is considered non-standard. Instead, use phrases like 'He was a no-show', 'He failed to show up', or 'He didn't show'.

What's the difference between a 'no-show' and a 'cancellation'?

A cancellation involves giving prior notice that you will not attend. A no-show involves giving no notice at all; you simply do not appear. Cancellations often allow for rebooking or refunds, while no-shows typically incur penalties.

Is 'no-show' only for people?

Primarily, yes. However, it can be used metonymically to refer to the *act* or *instance* of not showing up (e.g., 'We had three no-shows'). It is not used for objects or abstract concepts failing to appear.

no-show

UK/ˌnəʊ ˈʃəʊ/US/ˌnoʊ ˈʃoʊ/

Neutral, leaning formal. Common in business, travel, and administrative contexts.

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

A person who fails to attend an event, reservation, or appointment without prior cancellation.

1. The act of failing to appear for a booked service (flight, hotel, restaurant, etc.). 2. In business, a scheduled customer or client who fails to arrive. 3. Figuratively, something that fails to materialise or appear as expected.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Primarily a noun, but can be used attributively as a compound adjective. Often hyphenated, though occasionally written as 'no show'. Has evolved from describing people to also describing instances/the act itself.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Spelling and usage are identical. The concept is universally understood. More frequent in American English due to high-volume service industries (airlines, hotels).

Connotations

Negative connotation of irresponsibility or poor planning. Often implies financial or logistical consequences for the service provider.

Frequency

Slightly more common in American English corpora, but well-established in British English.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

flight no-showcomplete no-showchronic no-showhigh no-show rate

medium

hotel no-showrestaurant no-showdoctor's appointment no-showno-show fee

weak

conference no-showinterview no-showexpected no-showpotential no-show

Grammar

Valency Patterns

be a no-showhave a no-showtreat someone as a no-showcharge for a no-show

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

absent without noticefailure to appear

Neutral

non-attendeeabsenteeno-show passenger

Weak

absent partymissing person (in this context)

Vocabulary

Antonyms

attendeepunctual arrivalconfirmed guest

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“Pull a no-show (informal: to fail to appear unexpectedly).”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Used for missed meetings, client appointments, or scheduled deliveries.

Academic

Can refer to students who fail to attend registered seminars or tutorials without notice.

Everyday

Used for missed restaurant bookings, social gatherings, or personal appointments.

Technical

In aviation and hospitality revenue management, a key metric affecting overbooking calculations.

Examples

By Part of Speech

adjective

British English

The airline has a strict no-show policy for discounted fares.
We had several no-show guests at the wedding.

American English

The hotel charges a no-show fee equivalent to one night's stay.
The conference had a no-show rate of nearly 15%.

Examples

By CEFR Level

Five people were no-shows for the tour, so we had extra seats.
If you are a no-show, you might lose your deposit.

The restaurant was unhappy with the high number of no-shows on Saturday night.
Revenue management systems try to predict the typical no-show rate for flights.

Despite confirming his attendance, the keynote speaker was a conspicuous no-show, forcing organisers to improvise.
The clinic has implemented a policy to discharge chronic no-shows from their patient list.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a theatre 'show'. A 'no-show' is literally someone for whom the 'show' (event) happens, but they say 'NO' to showing up.

Conceptual Metaphor

ABSENCE IS A NEGATIVE PRESENCE (the person is defined by their failure to be physically present).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Avoid direct calque 'не-показ'. Correct translations: 'неявившийся пассажир/клиент', 'прогульщик' (for habitual absence, e.g., work), 'отсутствие без предупреждения'.

Common Mistakes

Using it as a verb without hyphenation (e.g., 'He no showed' is non-standard; prefer 'He was a no-show'). Confusing with 'no-show' as a type of sock (very thin sock).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The seminar had a 20% rate, which made planning for catering very difficult.

Multiple Choice

In which context is the term 'no-show' LEAST likely to be used?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: It is most commonly and correctly written with a hyphen: no-show. Some dictionaries list it as two words ('no show'), but the hyphenated form is standard in edited writing.
: Not in standard English. While you might hear informal constructions like 'He no-showed', it is considered non-standard. Instead, use phrases like 'He was a no-show', 'He failed to show up', or 'He didn't show'.
: A cancellation involves giving prior notice that you will not attend. A no-show involves giving no notice at all; you simply do not appear. Cancellations often allow for rebooking or refunds, while no-shows typically incur penalties.
: Primarily, yes. However, it can be used metonymically to refer to the *act* or *instance* of not showing up (e.g., 'We had three no-shows'). It is not used for objects or abstract concepts failing to appear.

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