do-nothing

[doo-nuhth-ing] / ˈduˌnʌθ ɪŋ /

NOUN

lazy person

Synonyms

STRONG

bum deadbeat good-for-nothing goof off idler laggard layabout lazybones loafer lounger malingerer moocher shirker slacker sloth sponger

WEAK

clock watcher couch potato lazy person lotus eater

Antonyms

STRONG

hard worker

VERB

be idle

Synonyms

STRONG

idle laze lounge around not lift a finger relax twiddle one's thumbs

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Yet the role of a do-nothing prince consort doesn’t suit the dutiful, and now fiercely faithful, Alfred, and a war of wills—and of the sexes—ensues.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 18, 2026

As much as Forrest is a know-nothing, except when it comes to knowing what love is, he’s also a do-nothing when it comes to acknowledging systemic wrongdoing.

From Salon • Jul. 7, 2024

It is the sound of do-nothing summer afternoons in the pre-internet portion of my youth.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 28, 2021

I’m not a sit around, do-nothing kind of guy.

From New York Times • Aug. 30, 2021

How she would laugh at the shallow interests of the women around her, and despise her do-nothing husband!

From A Witch of the Hills, v. 1-2 by Warden, Florence

do-nothing

Example Sentences

Related Words