a good-for-nothing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good-for-nothing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is perceived as useless or incompetent, often in a derogatory manner. Example: "After failing to complete his tasks for the third time, his boss called him a good-for-nothing employee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

And the central Buddhist protagonist of the book is something of a good-for-nothing who is only partly redeemed by his interest in goodness and in nothingness.

The New York Times - Books

His parents supported him, but his mother worried he might become a good-for-nothing.

The Guardian - Arts

We meet a proto-Blanche DuBois, also ill, and terminally in love with a good-for-nothing stripclub barker.

The Guardian

In 1826 he published his most important prose work, Aus dem Leben eines Taugenichts (Memoirs of a Good-for-Nothing, 1866), which, with its combination of the dreamlike and the realistic, is considered a high point of Romantic fiction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In November came "The Night Heaven Fell" (1958), directed by Vadim, in which Ms. Bardot makes a long sexual getaway with a good-for-nothing (Stephen Boyd) who has murdered her uncle and seduced her aunt.

The New York Times

The talented cast includes Andre Garner as the title character, a good-for-nothing charmer who turns out to be good for something after all, and Carmen Ruby Floyd as Miss Tiny, his swaggering love object.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"Maybe only one out of a thousand is a lazy good-for-nothing.

The New York Times - Food

CALLING A LAZY GOOD-FOR-NOTHING a parasite is insulting and unfair to parasites.

Forbes

After some discussion, Kecal announces that he has found a groom for Mařenka – Vašek, younger son of Tobiáš Mícha, a wealthy landowner; the older son, he explains, is a worthless good-for-nothing.

Wikipedia

"Before I entered the Marines, I was a lazy good-for-nothing," he once told his mother.

The New York Times

Mary Jo's brother, Lewis (the charming Gerald McRaney), is a relative good-for-nothing, who is always borrowing money from the estate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a good-for-nothing" to describe someone who consistently fails to meet expectations or contribute meaningfully. Ensure the context clarifies the reasons for this assessment to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "a good-for-nothing" is widely understood, it carries a negative connotation. In formal writing or professional settings, opt for more objective terms like "unproductive" or "ineffective" to maintain a neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good-for-nothing" functions primarily as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, typically a person, to indicate that they are considered useless, lazy, or incompetent, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good-for-nothing" is an adjective phrase used to negatively describe someone considered useless or incompetent. While grammatically correct, according to Ludwig, it carries a strong negative connotation and is best suited for informal contexts. Its primary function is to express disapproval, and it appears most frequently in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. When writing, be mindful of the judgmental tone and consider more neutral alternatives like "unproductive" or "ineffective" in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an idler

Focuses on the lack of activity and laziness.

a loafer

Highlights the tendency to avoid work or responsibility.

a layabout

Emphasizes a lack of purpose or employment.

an incompetent

Stresses the lack of skill or ability.

a ne'er-do-well

Indicates a person unlikely to succeed in life.

a deadbeat

Implies irresponsibility and failure to meet obligations, especially financial ones.

a bum

Informal term for someone who avoids work and responsibility.

a worthless individual

Highlights the lack of value or contribution.

a failure

Focuses on the lack of success or achievement.

an unproductive person

Emphasizes the lack of output or contribution.

FAQs

How can I use "a good-for-nothing" in a sentence?

You can use "a good-for-nothing" to describe someone who is lazy or useless, such as: "He was tired of being labeled "a good-for-nothing" by his family".

What's a less harsh alternative to "a good-for-nothing"?

Consider using terms like "unproductive", "ineffective", or "idler" to convey a similar meaning without being overly critical.

Is it appropriate to use "a good-for-nothing" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a good-for-nothing" is generally too informal and judgmental for formal writing. Opt for more neutral and professional language.

What's the difference between "a good-for-nothing" and "lazy"?

"Lazy" specifically refers to an unwillingness to work or exert effort. "A good-for-nothing" implies a broader sense of uselessness or lack of value, encompassing more than just laziness.