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Synonyms

can-do

American  
[kan-doo] / ˈkænˈdu /

adjective

Informal.

  1. marked by purposefulness and efficiency.

    a can-do executive.

noun

  1. the quality of being efficient and enthusiastic.

can-do British  

adjective

  1. confident and resourceful in the face of challenges

    a can-do attitude
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of can-do

First recorded in 1900–05

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.

As we sit in Kabawat's graceful living room, among framed family photographs and sprays of Syria's new flag, her can-do composure breaks for a moment.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026

Asfura has a reputation as a can-do executive who built roads and bridges during his time as mayor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 30, 2025

Still, Ned insists, with the right resources, adequate staff, and a can-do attitude, the Toledo Truth Teller can return to greatness.

From Salon • Sep. 4, 2025

Grounded by Harden’s natural and loosely charming performance, Khalid treats his nightmare scenario with an alternating sense of anxiety and buoyant, joshing can-do attitude.

From New York Times • Nov. 21, 2024

“Understand me, I was already the can-do type.”

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.