do-nothing

[doo-nuhth-ing]

noun

1. a person who chooses to do nothing; a lazy or worthless person.

adjective

1. characterized by inability or unwillingness to initiate action, work toward a goal, assume responsibility, or the like.

   a do-nothing government.

Word History and Origins

Origin of do-nothing¹

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

As much as Forrest is a know-nothing, except when it comes to knowing what love is, he’s also a do-nothing when it comes to acknowledging systemic wrongdoing.

From Salon

"Some people have been calling Staffordshire County Council a 'do-nothing council' over the last few months," he added.

From BBC

Care was taken to include documentation from the likes of CNN and Fox News, lest attacks on the do-nothing Congress came across as a one-sided attack.

From Los Angeles Times

Barca, in a statement announcing his campaign, said his long record of public service showed that he was a fighter for working families and contrasted himself with a “do-nothing, dysfunctional Congress.”

From Seattle Times

The standoff threatens to mire the House in another standstill, saddling the Republican majority with a do-nothing label after months of turmoil that has sent some seasoned lawmakers heading for the exits.

From Seattle Times