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  • no-go
    no-go
    adjective
    not authorized or approved to proceed; canceled or aborted.
  • no go
    no go
    see no dice.
Synonyms

no-go

American  
[noh-goh] / ˈnoʊˈgoʊ /
Or no go

adjective

Informal.
  1. not authorized or approved to proceed; canceled or aborted.

    The Tuesday space launch is no-go.

  2. not ready to go or proceed.

  3. not functioning properly; inoperative.

    The ticket machine was no-go.

  4. (of an area) having restricted entry.

    hazardous no-go zones.


noun

Informal.
  1. a plan or idea that is canceled, rejected, or otherwise fails to be realized.

    We asked to borrow the car, but that was a no-go, so we’ll have to take the bus.

no go Idioms  
  1. see no dice.


Etymology

Origin of no-go

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But when McArthur came before the nominating committee in March 2025 for her final promotion, the 50-year-old was told advancement was a no go.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

Who decided to say no go to including them?

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 18, 2023

Big Macs, McFlurry's and the Golden Arches were all a no go, as was the McDonald's-style Big Mac sauce.

From Reuters • Mar. 1, 2023

“Or would he say, no, go ahead and spend $100 million to tell everybody how great I am?”

From Washington Post • Feb. 3, 2023

He waved his arms at her, trying to send a telepathic message, No, no, go back!

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

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