no-nonsense

[noh-non-sens, -suhns]

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.

no-nonsense

/ ˌnəʊˈnɒnsəns /

adjective

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

   a businesslike no-nonsense approach

   a severe no-nonsense look

Word History and Origins

Origin of no-nonsense¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Related Words

• businesslike 
• stern