no-nonsense

American  

[noh-non-sens, -suhns] / ˈnoʊˈnɒn sɛns, -səns /

adjective

1. not tolerating anything frivolous or trifling; firm and businesslike.

   a no-nonsense approach to money matters; a no-nonsense teacher with well-behaved classes.

   Synonyms:

   purposeful, resolute, diligent, earnest

2. economical or utilitarian; practical.

   a no-nonsense car that gets excellent gas mileage.

3. plain and simple; not fancy, complicated, or elegant.

   no-nonsense recipes for easy preparation.

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no-nonsense British  

/ ˌnəʊˈnɒnsəns /

adjective

1. sensible, practical, straightforward; without nonsense of any kind

   a businesslike no-nonsense approach

   a severe no-nonsense look

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Etymology

Origin of no-nonsense

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Her arrival sets off a hilarious clash between dark winter and bright, no-nonsense spring.

From The Wall Street Journal

What cemented his place there was half happenstance: his no-nonsense, on-the-scene reportage of the 1996 bombing at the Atlanta Olympics, which occurred while he was filling in at “SportsCenter.”

From The Wall Street Journal

In “Glengarry Glen Ross,” a group of real-estate salesmen is pushed to compete fiercely after their new, no-nonsense boss raises the stakes of their monthly sales contest.

From The Wall Street Journal

The usually no-nonsense Mrs. Clarke made an uncharacteristic fuss over Lady Constance.

From Literature

The very idea of such prompt, no-nonsense execution of one’s responsibilities was so admirably Swanburne-like that Penelope’s spirits were quite lifted.

From Literature

Related Words

• businesslike
• stern