done

[duhn]

verb

1. past participle of do.

2. Nonstandard.,  a simple past tense of do.

auxiliary verb

1. Nonstandard: South Midland and Southern U.S.,  (used with a principal verb in the past or, sometimes, present tense to indicate completed action).

   I done told you so. He done eat his lunch.

adjective

1. completed; finished; through.

   Our work is done.

2. cooked sufficiently.

3. worn out; exhausted; used up.

4. in conformity with fashion, good taste, or propriety; acceptable.

   It isn't done.

done

/ dʌn /

verb

1. the past participle of do 1

2. to end relations with

3. to be completely finished

   have you done?

4. 1. an exclamation of frustration when something is ruined

   2. an exclamation when something is completed

interjection

1. an expression of agreement, as on the settlement of a bargain between two parties

adjective

1. completed; finished

2. cooked enough

   done to a turn

3. used up

   they had to surrender when the ammunition was done

4. socially proper or acceptable

   that isn't done in higher circles

5. informal,  cheated; tricked

6. informal

   1. dead or almost dead

   2. in serious difficulty

7. informal,  physically exhausted

Usage

In the adjectival sense “completed, finished, through,” done dates from the 14th century and is entirely standard: Is your portrait done yet?

Other Word Forms

• half-done adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of done¹

First recorded before 900, for the adjective

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. be / have done with, to break off relations or connections with; stop.

2. done for,

   1. tired; exhausted.

   2. deprived of one's means, position, etc.

   3. dead or close to death.

3. done in, very tired; exhausted.

   He was really done in after a close race.

More idioms and phrases containing done

• do
• easier said than done
• good as done
• have done (with)
• no sooner said (than done)
• not done
• over and done with
• seen one, seen them all (been there, done that)
• what's done is done
• when all's said and done

Example Sentences

Having done his best to form friendships within his halls of residence, he reluctantly signed up for accommodation with four others rather than risk finding himself with no house and no-one to share it with.

Read more on BBC

"It is a time to get big things done for Canadians, and get them done fast."

Read more on Barron's

Many AI deals resemble the big buyouts private-equity firms have done for years, in which they raise a mound of debt to juice returns on their investment.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"I remember when I had my levels done 10 years ago, and I was like 'Thank God, at least I know why I'm feeling so awful'."

Read more on BBC

Jack Grealish has done well on loan at Everton, but he simply has too much competition to fight his way past and has not featured for the Three Lions since October 2024.

Read more on BBC