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

The other two, the no-nonsense Clara (Ayanna Nicole Thomas) and the all-nonsense Farley (Gabriel Marcus Omlor), have a subplot of their own. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026

Whitaker nicely plays the no-nonsense doctor whose priorities dictate the complex solution at hand. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026

On another note, the sun in Virgo will meet with Saturn retrograde in Aries, setting the stage for a no-nonsense approach and genuine productivity. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2026

His rough exterior and no-nonsense approach tend to typecast him as a football machine devoid of personality or emotion. — Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 11 Sep. 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