good-for-nothing

[ good-fer-nuhth-ing, -nuhth- ]

adjective

1. worthless; of no use.

noun

1. a worthless or useless person.

good-for-nothing

noun

1. an irresponsible or worthless person

adjective

1. irresponsible; worthless

Word History and Origins

Origin of good-for-nothing¹

First recorded in 1705–15

Example Sentences

The kid says, "That guide book is written by a bunch of lazy, good-for-nothing Indian beggars."

From The Daily Beast

I hope she will not turn good-for-nothing this ever so long.

From Project Gutenberg

With a penniless, out-at-elbows, good-for-nothing, you mean?

From Project Gutenberg

Well, you're a coward, a good-for-nothing coward, and so is your big brother.

From Project Gutenberg

I never saw such a little awkward, good-for-nothing pair of hands.

From Project Gutenberg

Kitho means “that insignificant one,” and karishtiditore means “good-for-nothing fellow.”

From Project Gutenberg