no-nonsense

[noh-non-sens, -suhns]

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.

no-nonsense

/ ˌnəʊˈnɒnsəns /

adjective

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

   a businesslike no-nonsense approach

   a severe no-nonsense look

Word History and Origins

Origin of no-nonsense¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

And in recent years, popularity has soared, as people crave its well-made, no-nonsense, and nature-embracing ethos.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The actor who played the no-nonsense editor in chief earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance.

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The vet didn’t actually freeze, but she certainly used a very no-nonsense voice when she asked: “Did you bring the bat? We need the bat.”

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Bodycare's no-nonsense store layouts are known for their bright lighting, and window displays that often feature piles of toilet tissue or pyramids of washing up powder.

Read more on BBC

The crime-fighting combo of a roguish guy and a no-nonsense gal is familiar from “Moonlighting” and “Castle.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• businesslike 
• stern