good-for-nothing

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"What can you do with this good-for-nothing pension? Were it not for my son helping me out I'd be unable to buy my medicine," she complained at the march in the capital, Caracas.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

“This is an excuse for good-for-nothing children. Only by adapting to society can you become a person of real value,” another wrote.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 28, 2023

Yet later this year up to 40 healthy Australian volunteers may begin receiving infusions of the supposedly good-for-nothing molecule.

From Science Magazine • Jun. 8, 2023

Appropriately enough, their sound harks back to the staccato, stuttering beats of 1990s girls bands like TLC and Destiny's Child, complete with lyrics chastising any "trifling good-for-nothing type of brother".

From BBC • Dec. 8, 2022

“Auntie Rose is out traveling today, so why don’t you go stoke a fire in the hearth. Looks like those good-for-nothing cousins let it go out once more.”

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland