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Meaning of ne'er-do-well
A person who is lazy, idle, and often disreputable or untrustworthy.
Etymology of ne'er-do-well
The term "ne'er-do-well" originated in the 14th century, and is derived from the phrase "never do well," which was used to describe someone who is unable to succeed or accomplish anything.
The phrase is thought to have been used to describe someone who is idle, lazy, or unproductive, and is often associated with negative connotations such as disreputability or untrustworthiness.
Synonyms
loafer
idler
sluggard
good-for-nothing
vagabond
vagrant
tramp
hobo
ne'er-do-well
layabout
do-nothing
idle
indolent
lazy
slothful
shiftless
worthless
useless
unproductive
unprofitable
untrustworthy
unreliable
irresponsible
reckless
profligate
dissolute
depraved
corrupt
immoral
disreputable
discreditable
infamous
notorious
scandalous
shameless
worthless
good-for-nothing
no-account
useless
unscrupulous
unsavory
unsuitable
unrespectable
untrustworthy
unprincipled
unscrupulous
ruthless
merciless
heartless
cruel
brutal
savage
barbarous
ferocious
vicious
malevolent
malignant
evil
wicked
sinful
iniquitous
corrupt
degenerate
debased
debauched
decadent
dissipated
immoral
profligate
licentious
lascivious
lewd
lustful
sensual
carnal
voluptuous
sybaritic
epicurean
hedonistic
self-indulgent
pampered
spoiled
overindulged
overprivileged
arrogant
haughty
proud
conceited
vain
egotistical
self-centered
selfish
unfeeling
unemotional
uncaring
unsympathetic
uncharitable
ungenerous
stingy
miserly
penurious
parsimonious
frugal
thrifty
prudent
cautious
careful
vigilant
watchful
attentive
observant
mindful
considerate
thoughtful
solicitous
concerned
interested
involved
engaged
committed
dedicated
devoted
loyal
faithful
trustworthy
reliable
dependable
responsible
accountable
answerable
blamable
culpable
guilty
reprehensible
condemnable
objectionable
undesirable
unsatisfactory
inadequate
insufficient
ineffective
incompetent
inept
incapable
unqualified
unfit
unskilled
inexperienced
amateurish
unprofessional
inexpert
ignorant
uninformed
unaware
unconscious
oblivious
unmindful
inattentive
neglectful
negligent
careless
thoughtless
inconsiderate
unthinking
unsolicitous
unconcerned
uninterested
uninvolved
unengaged
uncommitted
undedicated
undevoted
disloyal
unfaithful
untrustworthy
un reliable
irresponsible
unaccountable
unanswerable
unblamable
incurable
hopeless
irredeemable
irreclaimable
irrecoverable
irreparable
irremediable
uncorrectable
unfixable
unmendable
unrepairable
Definitions
- A person who is idle and has no regular means of support, and is often disreputable or untrustworthy.
- * A person who is considered to be worthless or of no account.
Usage Examples
- The town was plagued by a group of ne'er-do-wells who spent their days lounging in the park and causing trouble.
- * He was known as a ne'er-do-well, always getting into debt and relying on his friends to bail him out.
Antonyms
go-getter
high-achiever
overachiever
achiever
success
winner
champion
victor
conqueror
hero
hard-worker
diligent
industrious
assiduous
sedulous
persevering
persistent
determined
resolute
purposeful
motivated
driven
ambitious
eager
enthusiastic
zealous
devoted
dedicated
committed
responsible
reliable
trustworthy
dependable
faithful
loyal
honest
upright
respectable
reputable
honorable
virtuous
moral
ethical
principled
conscientious
scrupulous
meticulous
careful
thorough
methodical
systematic
efficient
effective
competent
capable
skilled
proficient
expert
masterful
adept
talented
gifted
creative
innovative
inventive
imaginative
visionary
farsighted
wise
discerning
perceptive
astute
sh