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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.

Xi has tried to address the problem by telling officials that honest mistakes can be tolerated and strict discipline shouldn’t sap their can-do spirit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 17, 2026

In TLC’s furthering of awareness on OI, the series introduces Jay Manuel and Pamela Chavez by highlighting their upbeat, can-do attitude butting up against the harsh realities of society and their own medical limitations.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 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

Plus, according to Ms Visentin-E'Silva, there's the local can-do culture.

From BBC • Sep. 2, 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.