no-nonsense

[ noh-non-sens, -suhns ]

adjective

1. not tolerating anything frivolous or trifling; firm and businesslike:

   a no-nonsense approach to money matters; a no-nonsense teacher with well-behaved classes.

   Synonyms: purposeful, resolute, diligent, earnest

2. economical or utilitarian; practical:

   a no-nonsense car that gets excellent gas mileage.

3. plain and simple; not fancy, complicated, or elegant:

   no-nonsense recipes for easy preparation.

no-nonsense

/ ˌnəʊˈnɒnsəns /

adjective

1. sensible, practical, straightforward; without nonsense of any kind

   a businesslike no-nonsense approach

   a severe no-nonsense look

Word History and Origins

Origin of no-nonsense¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Related Words

• businesslike
• stern