good-for-nothing

American  

[good-fer-nuhth-ing, -nuhth-] / ˈgʊd fərˈnʌθ ɪŋ, -ˌnʌθ- /

adjective

1. worthless; of no use.

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noun

1. a worthless or useless person.

good-for-nothing British  

noun

1. an irresponsible or worthless person

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adjective

1. irresponsible; worthless

Etymology

Origin of good-for-nothing

First recorded in 1705–15

Example Sentences

"Good for nothing, so far as ever I knew," Swift wrote of him.

From The Journal to Stella by Swift, Jonathan

Good for nothing in diplomacy, thought Friedrich, but agreeable as company.

From History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 16 by Carlyle, Thomas

The "Good for nothing," the "Bad'un;" not some forgotten ruffian of the day, but the hero of a tale antedating The Nights in their present form.

From The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 08 by Burton, Richard Francis, Sir

Good for nothing husband, and that sort of thing, you know, and always runnin' to Old G. A. R. for protection and help too, I suspect.

From The Angel of the Tenement by Martin, George Madden

Good for nothing, as far as ever I knew.

From The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 10 Historical Writings by Swift, Jonathan

Related Words

• feckless
• idle
• indolent
• irresponsible
• lazy
• shiftless
• unreliable
• useless
• worthless