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know-nothing

[noh-nuhth-ing] / ˈnoʊˌnʌθ ɪŋ /




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.

Who hasn’t had the experience of hearing some know-nothing proudly display his ignorance — whether in a bar, on a crowded plane or on Joe Rogan’s podcast?

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

As much as Forrest is a know-nothing, except when it comes to knowing what love is, he’s also a do-nothing when it comes to acknowledging systemic wrongdoing.

From Salon • Jul. 7, 2024

The effort always includes promotional videos, such as one this summer featuring a know-it-all who is exposed as a know-nothing because he doesn’t know where tickets are sold.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 28, 2022

But Atlanta, and its know-nothing Liberty Media ownership, seems unaware that analytics predict its five-man rotation will not have anybody with an ERA under 4.00 as everybody regresses toward previous career performance.

From Washington Post • Feb. 17, 2019

“These know-nothing kids thinking Ali could’ve taken Joe Louis.”

From "145th Street: Short Stories" by Walter Dean Myers




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