no-nonsense

American  

[noh-non-sens, -suhns] / ˈnoʊˈnɒn sɛns, -səns /

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.

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no-nonsense British  

/ ˌnəʊˈnɒnsəns /

adjective

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

   a businesslike no-nonsense approach

   a severe no-nonsense look

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Etymology

Origin of no-nonsense

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Alvin Hellerstein, the US judge overseeing the case against deposed Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, is a no-nonsense 92-year-old with a long list of high-profile cases on his CV.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

“This is the kind of no-nonsense, results-driven warfighting that America demands, and you’re delivering it in spades,” Hegseth said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

But the potential upside was that her no-nonsense approach would prove a welcome contrast, particularly as the party had announced that the focus of her address would be affordability.

From Salon • Feb. 25, 2026

But the no-nonsense judge presiding over these often ill-tempered proceedings is desperate to stop them turning into a "public inquiry".

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2026

I study her and her crisp no-nonsense outfit, not able to hide the curiosity that I know is written all over my face.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Related Words

• businesslike
• stern