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

Alaa Merahi, who was driving with his wife and children, told AFP: "We're returning to our south, to the free land... we can't do without the southern land."

From Barron's • Jun. 15, 2026

In Stewart’s view, what a jury was not to be trusted to do without the guidance given in the Georgia statute, they could now be entrusted to do.

From Slate • Jun. 8, 2026

Bruno Fernandes was the inspiration, the player United simply cannot do without, while summer arrivals Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo added quality in attack.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

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

“But you, my Aimeleh, I can’t do without you.”

From "Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story" by Nora Raleigh Baskin

Related Words

• endure
• forgo