good-for-nothing

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.

"What can you do with this good-for-nothing pension? Were it not for my son helping me out I'd be unable to buy my medicine," she complained at the march in the capital, Caracas.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

“This is an excuse for good-for-nothing children. Only by adapting to society can you become a person of real value,” another wrote.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 28, 2023

Yet later this year up to 40 healthy Australian volunteers may begin receiving infusions of the supposedly good-for-nothing molecule.

From Science Magazine • Jun. 8, 2023

“O you good-for-nothing old fellow!” said the General, patting the dog’s head, “you have made me a good deal of trouble and labor by your over-familiarity.”

From Slate • Jan. 31, 2021

“Have a seat. You look like the zopilotes, those nasty good-for-nothing vultures, beat you up and plucked every feather off your pretty wings.”

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall