do without
phrasal verb
did without; done without; doing without; does without
: to not have (something) : to live, work, etc., without having (something)
If you can't afford a new car, you'll just have to do without (one).
I don't know how we ever did without computers.
—can/could do without is often used to say that one does not like or approve of somethingI enjoy traveling, but I can do without having to wait around in crowded airports.
He was late again. That's the kind of selfish behavior I could do without.
Examples of do without in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The American team could certainly have done without the aggravation of running to the pro shop to buy alternative waterproofs in 2010 because they were getting soaked in their official gear.
—
Don Riddell, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025
This is surprisingly difficult to do without getting distracted, and a core part of the exercise is noticing the distraction and returning to the counting.
—Masha Remskar, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2025
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents about 350 airlines, has said raising the limit by two years can be done without any impact to aviation safety.
—Reuters, NBC news, 22 Sep. 2025
Popular home improvement stores recommend turning the water supply off, while other DIYers say it can be done without making a wet mess as long as your shower is turned off.
—Cody Godwin, USA Today, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for do without
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Don Riddell, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025
This is surprisingly difficult to do without getting distracted, and a core part of the exercise is noticing the distraction and returning to the counting.
—Masha Remskar, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2025
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents about 350 airlines, has said raising the limit by two years can be done without any impact to aviation safety.
—Reuters, NBC news, 22 Sep. 2025
Popular home improvement stores recommend turning the water supply off, while other DIYers say it can be done without making a wet mess as long as your shower is turned off.
—Cody Godwin, USA Today, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for do without
Cite this Entry
“Do without.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/do%20without. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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