do without
Britishverb
-
to forgo; manage without
I can't do without cigarettes
-
not to require (uncalled-for comments or advice)
we can do without your criticisms thank you
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.
She thinks the US policy of export controls might have backfired: Chinese developers had to make do without the powerful chips, forcing them to be creative.
From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026
I travel often, usually for longer stretches, but I’ve learned that some cities are especially good at delivering in a short window: great food, easy momentum, and plenty to do without overplanning.
From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026
There are concerns that an extended conflict could result in shortages while high prices could force some farmers to do without.
From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026
“I’d rather do without bread than my estradiol patch,” Polo said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026
I could spend the summer practicing baking to get ready, which would give me something to do without Trevor.
From "From the Desk of Zoe Washington" by Janae Marks
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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.