no-nonsense

adjective

no-non·​sense ˈnō-ˌnän-ˌsen(t)s How to pronounce no-nonsense (audio)
-ˈnän(t)-sən(t)s
: tolerating no nonsense : serious, businesslike
a no-nonsense manager

Examples of no-nonsense in a Sentence

a no-nonsense gymnastics coach
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And their boss, Inspector Vivienne Holness (Karen Robinson, A Million Little Things), is your typical no-nonsense police superior. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 24 Sep. 2025 The rapper Killer Mike makes the most of his limited screen time as the no-nonsense publisher of a local tabloid that prints Lee’s more lowbrow, retaliatory material, including the mug shots and criminal histories of some goons who assaulted him. Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025 Fallen minister Gene Hackman and no-nonsense cop Ernest Borgnine try to lead the survivors to safety, with many freak accidents and bellowing at the heavens along the way. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2025 His no-nonsense stance was attractive to many. Amanda Luberto, AZCentral.com, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for no-nonsense

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of no-nonsense was in 1853

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“No-nonsense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/no-nonsense. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

no-nonsense

adjective
: putting up with or including no nonsense : serious
a no-nonsense manager
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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