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 estate was the perfect wedding present from the late Queen Elizabeth to her athletic, no-nonsense daughter and her first husband, Mark Phillips. — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 29 Oct. 2026

Maduro vexed the no-nonsense judge by using his plea hearing to condemn the case, with Hellerstein cutting him off and entering a not-guilty plea on his behalf. — Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 28 Oct. 2026

Here’s your no-nonsense guide to running in midlife and staying injury-free. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 28 Oct. 2026

Saint James’ Kate was the modern and no-nonsense counterpart to Curtin’s old-fashioned, sweet Allie. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 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