ne'er-do-well
English
Etymology
(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)
Pronunciation
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 360: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "RP" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˈnɛə.duˌwɛl/
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 360: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "GA" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˈnɛʔɚ.duˌwɛl/, /ˈnɛɚ-/
Audio (GA): (file)
Noun
ne'er-do-well (plural ne'er-do-wells)
- A person without a means of support; an idle, worthless person; a loafer; a person who is ineffectual, unsuccessful, or completely lacking in merit; a good-for-nothing.
- 1933, The Commonweal (volume 19, page 241)
- So they have trooped forth to organize village down-and-outs and ne'er-do-wells into would-be combat units.
- 2012, Christoper Zara, Tortured Artists: From Picasso and Monroe to Warhol and Winehouse, the Twisted Secrets of the World's Most Creative Minds, part 1, chapter 1, 26:
- Clara's father, a trollish ne'er-do-well who spent most of his time in brothels and saloons, would disappear for days and weeks at a stretch, leaving Clara and her mother to fend for themselves.
- 1933, The Commonweal (volume 19, page 241)
- A person who is up to no good; a rogue.
Synonyms
Translations
good-for-nothing — see good-for-nothing