no-go

or no go

[ noh-goh ]

adjective

, Informal.

1. not authorized or approved to proceed; canceled or aborted:

   The Tuesday space launch is no-go.

2. not ready to go or proceed.
3. not functioning properly; inoperative:

   The ticket machine was no-go.

4. (of an area) having restricted entry:

   hazardous no-go zones.

noun

, Informal.

1. a plan or idea that is canceled, rejected, or otherwise fails to be realized:

   We asked to borrow the car, but that was a no-go, so we’ll have to take the bus.

Word History and Origins

Origin of no-go¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Idioms and Phrases

see no dice .

Example Sentences

At the time, one of the families told BBC News NI: “Even when we were looking for accommodation, no-one told us that this was a no-go area.”

From BBC

Numerous "no-go" areas and gang-controlled neighbourhoods are indeed back under the control of the security forces, and entire communities say they no longer live in fear.

From BBC

Whether you’re Team CoHo or no-go, there’s reason to pay attention: Hoover has hit a cultural nerve.

From Salon

Klowden said that for some SpaceX workers a move to South Texas could be a no-go, and he expects other aerospace companies will attempt poach its workers.

From Los Angeles Times

Another tried to throw a tarp over Pickles but it was a no-go.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• feeble
• fruitless
• futile
• impotent
• inadequate
• incompetent
• indecisive
• ineffectual
• inefficient
• inept
• limited
• null
• powerless
• unable
• unproductive
• unprofitable
• unsuccessful
• worthless