do without

British  

verb

1. to forgo; manage without

   I can't do without cigarettes

2. not to require (uncalled-for comments or advice)

   we can do without your criticisms thank you

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do without Idioms  

1. Manage in spite of being without something. For example, They will just have to do without a vacation this year, or There was no telephone in the cabin, but we soon learned to do without. [Early 1700s]

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Example Sentences

The Angels’ offense, finishing with four hits, found a way to make do without solely relying on the long ball.

From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2026

He said the visit of the King and Queen "got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking".

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

"The King and Queen got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking!"

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

The best things in life are not always free, but there’s plenty you can do without conspicuous consumption.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

Happily Van Helsing has not summoned me, so I need not forego my sleep; to-night I could not well do without it.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

Related Words

• endure
• forgo