can-do

[ kan-doo ]

adjective

, Informal.

1. marked by purposefulness and efficiency:

   a can-do executive.

noun

1. the quality of being efficient and enthusiastic.

can-do

adjective

1. confident and resourceful in the face of challenges

   a can-do attitude

Word History and Origins

Origin of can-do¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

If he thinks that he can get a deal he likes, I'd expect to see a c'mon-guys-we-can-do-this conciliatory exhortation.

From The Daily Beast

There have also been inspiring stories of personal generosity and governmental can-do.

From The Daily Beast

We all know a few Elizabeth Banks—people who cruise through life at a steady clip of can-do energy.

From The Daily Beast

As for ascending starlet Ali (Aguilera), she is all batting eyelashes and sugary sweet can-do-ness.

From The Daily Beast

Hard to get more can-do blue collar than a steel-town mayor in dungarees.

From The Daily Beast

A tug, the Gando, immediately re-named the Can-do, brought out our lighters of coal.

From Project Gutenberg

America does not want a serving class with a “king-can-do-no-wrong” attitude toward the public.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• commit
• manage
• take care of