no-nonsense

adjective

no-non·​sense ˈnō-ˌnän-ˌsen(t)s 

-ˈnän(t)-sən(t)s

: tolerating no nonsense : serious, businesslike

a no-nonsense manager

Synonyms of no-nonsense

• solemn
• serious
• stern
• professional
• earnest

Examples of no-nonsense in a Sentence

a no-nonsense gymnastics coach

Recent Examples on the Web

Cattrall's character, ice-skating rink manager and coach Tina Harwood, pushes her daughter, Gen (Panettiere), to be the ultimate champion with a strict regimen and a no-nonsense attitude. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026

Kelly Macdonald as Sheriff Kerry Rushville, Nebraska’s no-nonsense Sheriff Kerry is played by Kelly Macdonald. — Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026

Adding a dose of Rosenwald’s no-nonsense business acumen to our current efforts to execute good works would really help. — Harold Pollack, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

Sigman plays Carmen Belandria, a no-nonsense, fiercely loyal mother and wife of Miguel. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for no-nonsense

• nonsense

Kids Definition

no-nonsense

adjective

: putting up with or including no nonsense : serious

a no-nonsense manager