an idle worthless person
Used in a Sentence
ne'er-do-well
How to use ne'er-do-well in a sentence. Example sentences and definitions for ne'er-do-well.
Editorial note
For beneath the careful shell of hair, skin and fabric lay holed and gray linen and a ne'er-do-well's heart.
Examples5
Definitions1
Parts of speech1
Quick take
an idle worthless person
Meaning at a glance
The clearest senses and uses of ne'er-do-well gathered in one view.
Definitions
Core meanings and parts of speech for ne'er-do-well.
noun
an idle worthless person
See also: goldbrick, goof-off, good-for-nothing, no-account, good-for-naught
Example sentences
For beneath the careful shell of hair, skin and fabric lay holed and gray linen and a ne'er-do-well's heart.
Very few takers, and my mother got no end of "your child is a ne'er-do-well trying to lead my Johnny astray".
You are far more likely to hurt yourself than a stranger is. Should some ne'er-do-well enter your unlocked door, remind them of this and start giggling.
The problem is closer to a ne'er-do-well taking someone else's signs and hanging them off a bridge over a highway.
Grant was an alcoholic and ne'er-do-well and this has been credited with his unprecedented choice to set very merciful terms of surrender.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers drawn from the clearest meanings and examples for this word.
How do you use ne'er-do-well in a sentence?
For beneath the careful shell of hair, skin and fabric lay holed and gray linen and a ne'er-do-well's heart.
What does ne'er-do-well mean?
an idle worthless person
What part of speech is ne'er-do-well?
ne'er-do-well is commonly used as noun.