do-nothing

American  

[doo-nuhth-ing] / ˈduˌnʌθ ɪŋ /

noun

1. a person who chooses to do nothing; a lazy or worthless person.

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adjective

1. characterized by inability or unwillingness to initiate action, work toward a goal, assume responsibility, or the like.

   a do-nothing government.

Etymology

Origin of do-nothing

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

Yet the role of a do-nothing prince consort doesn’t suit the dutiful, and now fiercely faithful, Alfred, and a war of wills—and of the sexes—ensues.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 18, 2026

As much as Forrest is a know-nothing, except when it comes to knowing what love is, he’s also a do-nothing when it comes to acknowledging systemic wrongdoing.

From Salon • Jul. 7, 2024

It is the sound of do-nothing summer afternoons in the pre-internet portion of my youth.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 28, 2021

Consider, however, that Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s founder and chief executive, has said he sets aside “puttering time” every morning before taking any calls or meetings — basically carving out a scheduled chunk of do-nothing time.

From New York Times • May 29, 2021

It was necessary to try something, for Gates's do-nothing policy was grinding them to powder.

From Burgoyne's Invasion of 1777 With an outline sketch of the American Invasion of Canada, 1775-76. by Drake, Samuel Adams