go without

go without

During the long hike, they had to go without fresh water.

Definition
  1. Verb (phrasal verb):
    • To manage without something that is needed or desired: "go without" means to endure a lack or absence of something, often due to scarcity or choice.
    • To abstain from something: It can also mean to intentionally refrain from having or using something.
Usage Examples
  • (We endured the lack of electricity.)
  • (She abstained from having dessert.)
  • (They lack breakfast due to poverty.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to go without saying": This is a fixed phrase meaning something is obvious or universally understood.

    • It goes without saying that honesty is important. (It is so obvious that it does not need to be stated.)

  • "to go without a fight": To accept a situation without resistance.

    • He won't go without a fight; he will defend his position. (He will not accept defeat passively.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Do without (phrasal verb): a synonym meaning to manage without something.

    • We can do without luxury items during the holidays. (We can manage without them.)

  • Forgo (verb): to decide not to have or do something, often voluntarily.

    • They decided to forgo the trip due to bad weather. (They chose to abstain from the trip.)
Synonyms
  • Lack: to be without something that is needed.
  • Abstain from: to refrain from doing or using something.
  • Endure: to bear or tolerate a difficult situation.
Phrasal Verbs
  • Go without (itself): The phrasal verb is already the target word; no additional phrasal verbs are derived from it.
Related Idioms
  • Go without saying: (explained above in Advanced Usage).
  • Make do without: to manage with less than what is needed.
    • We had to make do without a car for a month. (We coped without a vehicle.)
Additional Notes
  • "Go without" is often used in negative constructions or questions to emphasize deprivation.
    • How can they go without food for so long? (Expressing surprise at the lack.)
  • It can be used transitively (with an object) or intransitively (without an object).
    • We had to go without. (Intransitive: we endured lack.)
    • We had to go without water. (Transitive: we lacked water.)