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Synonyms

can-do

American  
[kan-doo] / ˈkænˈdu /

adjective

Informal.

  1. marked by purposefulness and efficiency.

    a can-do executive.

noun

  1. the quality of being efficient and enthusiastic.

can-do British  

adjective

  1. confident and resourceful in the face of challenges

    a can-do attitude
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of can-do

First recorded in 1900–05

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.

Asfura has a reputation as a can-do executive who built roads and bridges during his time as mayor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 30, 2025

"I think having a can-do attitude to find solutions is what's needed, not apathy and being put in a 'too difficult' pile," she said.

From BBC • Aug. 12, 2025

“Bob was quickly identified as one of the can-do people,” says Tom Morris, a former Imagineer turned author-historian on the division.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2025

In TLC’s furthering of awareness on OI, the series introduces Jay Manuel and Pamela Chavez by highlighting their upbeat, can-do attitude butting up against the harsh realities of society and their own medical limitations.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2025

“Understand me, I was already the can-do type.”

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen

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.