good-for-nothing
Americanadjective
noun
noun
adjective
Etymology
Origin of good-for-nothing
First recorded in 1705–15
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.
"Good for nothing, so far as ever I knew," Swift wrote of him.
From The Journal to Stella by Swift, Jonathan
Good for nothing husband, and that sort of thing, you know, and always runnin' to Old G. A. R. for protection and help too, I suspect.
From The Angel of the Tenement by Martin, George Madden
Good for nothing except dubbing on a newspaper!
From Dawn O'Hara, the Girl Who Laughed by Ferber, Edna
So the text says, "Good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men."
From Steve P. Holcombe, the Converted Gambler His Life and Work by Alexander, Rev. Gross
Good for nothing in diplomacy, thought Friedrich, but agreeable as company.
From History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 16 by Carlyle, Thomas
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.
