do-nothing

1 of 3

noun (1)

do-noth·​ing ˈdü-ˌnə-thiŋ How to pronounce do-nothing (audio)
Synonyms of do-nothingnext
: a shiftless or lazy person

do-nothing

2 of 3

adjective

: marked by inactivity or failure to make positive progress
do-nothingism
ˈdü-ˌnə-thiŋ-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce do-nothing (audio)
noun

do-nothingism

3 of 3

noun (2)

do-noth·​ing·​ism
-ˌizəm
plural -s
: commitment to a do-nothing policy

Synonyms of do-nothing

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Noun (1)

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Examples of do-nothing in a Sentence

Noun (1) the new boss quickly figured out who the do-nothings were and fired them he indiscriminately dismisses the state legislators as a bunch of do-nothings who live at the taxpayers' expense
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The commission made the right call to delay implementation of Gavin’s do-nothing laws. — Linh Tat, Oc Register, 6 May 2026 That makes a strong case for the do-nothing vacation, then, which, in the words of The Washington Post, aligns with wellness rather than laziness. — Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 24 Feb. 2026 Is Jack a do-nothing philanderer while Shyanne desperately tries to preserve their five-year romance, or is the truth more complicated than that? — Todd Gilchrist, IndieWire, 7 May 2026 Finally, upgrade your couch-rot-and-do-nothing sessions with the TCL 75-inch Class Q6 smart TV, and save 22%. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 5 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for do-nothing

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1579, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of do-nothing was in 1579

Rhymes for do-nothing

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Browse Nearby Words

do no such thing
do-nothing
do nothing for
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Do-nothing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/do-nothing. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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