do-nothing

/'du:,nʌθiɳ/ Cách viết khác : (do-naught) /'du:nɔ:t/

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The word "do-nothing" can be used as both an adjective and a noun. Let’s break it down in an easy way:

Definition:

1. As an Adjective:

   • "Do-nothing" describes someone or something that does not take action or make an effort to achieve a goal.
   • Example: "The do-nothing government failed to help the people during the crisis."

2. As a Noun:

   • It refers to a person who does no work or avoids responsibilities.
   • Example: "He is just a do-nothing who sits around all day."

Usage Instructions:

• As an Adjective: Use "do-nothing" to describe a situation, organization, or individual that is inactive or unproductive.
• As a Noun: Use "do-nothing" to label someone who is perceived as lazy or unproductive.

Example Sentences:

• Adjective: "After the meeting, everyone felt frustrated with the do-nothing attitude of the team."
• Noun: "He doesn't contribute anything to the project; he's a real do-nothing."

Advanced Usage:

• You might hear the term used in political discussions. For example, "The senator was criticized for being a do-nothing representative who does not advocate for his constituents."

Word Variants:

• Do-nothingness (noun): The state of being inactive or lazy.
  • Example: "His do-nothingness led to missed opportunities."

Different Meaning:

• "Do-nothing" can also have a more general meaning, referring to a lack of initiative or drive in various contexts, not just laziness but also in terms of inaction in critical situations.

Synonyms:

• Lazy
• Indolent
• Inactive
• Unproductive
• Couch potato (informal)

Idioms:

• There aren't direct idioms that use "do-nothing," but you might hear phrases like:
  • "Sitting on the sidelines" (meaning to not participate or take action).
  • "Twiddling one's thumbs" (meaning to waste time doing nothing).

Phrasal Verbs:

• While there are no specific phrasal verbs that include "do-nothing," you might come across phrases like:
  • "Do away with" (to eliminate or stop something) which conveys the opposite idea of taking action.

Summary:

"Do-nothing" is a term that signifies a lack of action or effort, whether describing a person, organization, or situation. It can be used negatively to criticize laziness or inactivity.

Academic

Adjective

1. characterized by inability or unwillingness to work toward a goal or assume responsibility
   • a do-nothing government

Noun

1. person who does no work
   • a lazy bum

Synonyms

• do-nothing
• idler
• loafer
• layabout
• bum