do-nothing

[ doo-nuhth-ing ]

noun

adjective

characterized by inability or unwillingness to initiate action, work toward a goal, assume responsibility, or the like:a do-nothing government.

Origin of do-nothing

First recorded in 1570–80

The blogosphere is afire with outrage: A rich do-nothing given probation for raping his three-year-old daughter!
Delaware’s Affluenza Case Affects Justice, Too | Jay Michaelson | April 1, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
At this point any long-term congressional incumbent like Lewis should answer for the do-nothing House.
Elizabeth Wurtzel: My Tea Party Mom Loves Al Jazeera America | Elizabeth Wurtzel | September 4, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
So why did the short, do-nothing opinions in the UT case take over eight months to write?
Affirmative Action Lives! What Happened at the Supreme Court | Adam Winkler | June 24, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
Confronting the legacy of the do-nothing 112th Congress as the least effective since the 1940s is also a corrective.
113th Congress Actually May Get Something Done | John Avlon | January 3, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
Remember when the big idea in Obamaland was to run against the do-nothing Congress?
Michael Tomasky: Is Barack Obama Too Weak to Win in November? | Michael Tomasky | June 5, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST

Malthus was not a thoroughgoing supporter of the 'do-nothing' doctrine.
The English Utilitarians, Volume II (of 3) | Leslie Stephen
Perhaps he'll be buying embroidered fronts next, if he goes into that idle, do-nothing House of Commons.
East Lynne | Mrs. Henry Wood
Brewery chimneys are better than a do-nothing scamp that can't earn a meal for himself or his children.
Mr. Scarborough's Family | Anthony Trollope
He had been called a dawdler and a trifler and a do-nothing.
Under Handicap | Jackson Gregory
The work of Anquetil was in their library; but the series of "do-nothing kings" amused them very little.
Bouvard and Pcuchet | Gustave Flaubert

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