Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
ne'er-do-well
noun
/ˈnɪr.də.wɛl/

Definition
A person who is lazy and irresponsible.

Examples
- Despite his potential, he was seen as a ne’er-do-well who never managed to hold down a job.
- She grew tired of his ne’er-do-well lifestyle and decided to move on with her life.

Meaning
The term refers to someone who doesn’t accomplish much in life due to a lack of effort or ambition.

Synonyms
- Good-for-nothing
- Layabout
- Slackard