good-for-nothing

USAGE SUMMARY

"good-for-nothing" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is usually used to describe someone who is considered to be of no use or value, usually in a negative way. For example, you could say "He's a good-for-nothing slacker who never pulls his own weight around here."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

He showed a volatile ambivalence toward his oldest son, whom he dubbed Good-for-nothing.

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times - Food

His good-for-nothing nephew had been wished on him as his assistant.

The New Yorker

Your own parents may consider you good-for-nothing just because you are blind or disabled.

The Guardian

HE'S a baby-faced, good-for-nothing drifter who just got out of jail.

The New York Times

They aren't the good-for-nothing bums that Hollywood has made them out to be.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

You're good for nothing.

The New Yorker

"Good for nothing".

The New York Times - Sports

They're useless, good for nothing".

The New Yorker

Was I good for nothing?

The New York Times

The Source: "Good for Nothing?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "good-for-nothing", consider the impact of your words. It's a harsh label and should be reserved for situations where it truly fits and is necessary for the context.

Common error

Avoid casually labeling someone as "good-for-nothing" as it can be deeply hurtful and damaging to relationships. Consider softer alternatives if the situation allows.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good-for-nothing" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective modifying a noun, or as a noun itself, referring to a person considered useless or without value. As Ludwig AI also points out, it is mainly used in a negative way.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "good-for-nothing" is a common, though often harsh, way to describe someone considered useless or without value. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's mostly used negatively, functioning as both an adjective and a noun. Usage is most frequent in news and media, with a tendency toward informal contexts. While grammatically correct, it's important to consider the impact of this label and perhaps opt for softer alternatives in casual conversation. Remember, while phrases like "worthless" or "lazy bum" might seem similar, they carry slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worthless

Focuses directly on the lack of worth or value.

useless

Highlights the lack of utility or purpose.

lazy bum

Emphasizes laziness and idleness.

ne'er-do-well

A more formal term for someone who is unlikely to succeed.

loafer

Implies someone who avoids work or activity.

idler

Similar to loafer, but perhaps less pejorative.

failure

Highlights the lack of success or achievement.

incompetent

Stresses the lack of necessary skills or abilities.

underachiever

Suggests someone who is not performing up to their potential.

no-hoper

Indicates a person with no prospects or chance of success.

FAQs

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

You can use "good-for-nothing" to describe a person who is lazy, incompetent, or generally useless. For example: "He is a "good-for-nothing" employee who never completes his tasks."

What are some alternatives to saying "good-for-nothing"?

Depending on the context, you could use words like "worthless", "useless", or "lazy bum". The best alternative will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "good-for-nothing"?

Yes, "good-for-nothing" is a grammatically correct term. It can function as both an adjective and a noun.

What is the difference between calling someone "useless" versus "good-for-nothing"?

"Useless" simply means lacking utility, while "good-for-nothing" carries a stronger connotation of worthlessness and often implies a negative judgment of character. Calling someone "good-for-nothing" is generally more offensive.