Ne'er-do-well

A 'ne'er-do-well' is a person, typically a man, who is lazy, irresponsible, and unsuccessful. They are often characterized by a lack of ambition, a tendency to avoid work or responsibilities, and a general disregard for social norms. This often leads to a life of poverty or a lack of meaningful achievement, sometimes involving petty crime or substance abuse. The term implies a pattern of failure or a lack of productive contribution to society, often causing concern or disappointment among family and friends. The label highlights someone’s perceived shortcomings and unproductive lifestyle.

Ne'er-do-well meaning with examples

• Despite inheriting a substantial fortune, he became a ne'er-do-well, squandering his inheritance on gambling and frivolous pursuits. His family desperately tried, and ultimately failed, to get him to be a responsible adult. The pattern persisted for decades.
• The town was plagued by a ne'er-do-well who constantly caused trouble. He avoided gainful employment, engaged in petty theft, and brought shame on his mother. Eventually, he was given an ultimatum of a long jail sentence if his behavior did not change.
• His reputation as a ne'er-do-well preceded him wherever he went; he was not considered reliable. Landlords refused to rent him property and employers refused to offer him work.
• Growing up, he drifted through life, seen by many as a ne'er-do-well. He lacked any discernible work ethic and seemed content to live hand-to-mouth, surviving on his wits.
• Despite his obvious potential, his penchant for procrastination and lack of discipline condemned him to the life of a ne'er-do-well, never achieving the success he was capable of.