withoutwith‧out /wɪðˈaʊt $ wɪðˈaut, wɪθˈaʊt/ ●●● S1 W1 preposition, adverb 
After the storm we were without electricity for five days. a house without a garden We passed two ruined abbeys, one with a tower and one without. I’m getting used to managing without a car. → do without at do2, → go without at go12used to say that a particular thing has not happened when someone does something: Suddenly and without any warning, the army opened fire. He had gone out without his parents’ permission. I accepted his offer without a moment’s hesitation. I got to my destination without too much difficulty.without doing something ‘What do you expect?’ he said, without looking at her. Without so much as a word of thanks, Ben turned and went back into the office (=he did not even say thank you as he should have done).3not feeling or showing that you feel a particular emotion: He told his story without anger or bitterness.4not being with someone, or not having them to help you, especially someone you like or need: I don’t know what I’d do without you. Won’t you be lonely without her? The rest of the group set off without him.5without wanting/wishing to do something used before a criticism, complaint, or other statement to make it less strong: Without wanting to sound too boastful, I think we have the best television programmes in the world.6old use outside → reckon without at reckon
WORD ORIGINwithout
Origin:
Old English withutanEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "Gourmet Food without Salt" is aimed at people with high-blood pressure.
- "With or without sugar?'' "Without, please!''
- After the storm, we were without electricity for five days.
- Billy came to class without his school books.
- He had gone out without his parents' permission.
- He was without any sense whatsoever.
- How can you judge a book without reading it?
- I don't know what I would do without Lisa.
- I don't think grandpa could survive without his cigars.
- No one can succeed in business without taking certain risks.
- The schools are having to provide programs without adequate funding.
- There are so many people without jobs that companies receive hundreds of applications to each advertisement.
- This time Clark finished the race without falling.
- You can't get a passport without a birth certificate.
Longman Language Activatorall of a group of things or people
all the things or people in a group: · There was no one in the office -- they were all having lunch.· The new government has banned all political parties.we/you/them etc all: · He thanked us all for coming.· I've read five of his books, and I'm not going to stop until I've read them all.all the/these/their/my etc: · Did you take all these pictures yourself?· All his clothes were spread around the room.· All the teachers in my school are women.all of: · I've used up all of my traveler's checks.· She invited all of her friends to the party.almost/nearly all: · The Prime Minister's plan would cut almost all subsidies to state-run industries.· Nearly all news organizations have refused to broadcast the victim's name during the trial.all dogs/cars/children etc (=use this to make a general statement about things or people of the same kind): · All mammals are warm-blooded.· All cars over 5 years old must have a test certificate.
all the things in a group, or all the things that someone says or does: · The customs officer asked us to take everything out of our suitcases.· Don't believe everything you read in the newspapers.· Everything in the store costs less than $10.everything else (=all other things): · I have a tent and a sleeping-bag, and Ben said he'd lend me everything else I need for the camping trip.
all people or all the people in a particular group: · I think everyone enjoyed the party.· If everybody is ready, I'll begin.· Why is everyone so excited about this tax cut?
British informal all the things in a group or set, considered together: · I left my purse with my cheque book and car keys on the kitchen table and thieves broke in and stole the lot.· Janine bought four cream cakes, but her friends didn't turn up for dinner so she ate the lot herself.
all -- used only with singular nouns: · Every room in the house was painted white.· She bought presents for every member of her family.every single (=use this to emphasize that you really mean everyone or everything, especially when this is surprising): · It rained every single day of our vacation.every single one/every last one: · The police questioned every single one of the passengers on the plane.
all -- use this to emphasize that you mean every separate person or thing in a group: · She had a ring on each finger of her right hand.· They read through each job application very carefully.· The president shook hands with each member of the team.each of: · We will consider each of these questions in turn.· She gave each of them a plate of food.each one: · George and Elizabeth had visited 15 apartments and had found something wrong with each one.in/for/to etc each: · She dug several tiny holes in the soil, planting a seed in each.we/they/us etc each: · My brother and I each have our own room.· She gave us each a pen and a piece of paper.
formal use this to say that something is true of every single one of the people or things in a large group: · Every department in this city, without exception, has experienced cutbacks.almost without exception: · Economists agreed on the President's proposal, almost without exception.
spoken informal everything in a group of similar things or all the things that are needed for a particular activity: · "What would you like on your hotdog -- mustard, ketchup, relish?" "Give me the works."· The school needs new computers, calculators, chairs, cooking utensils...basically, the works.
also the whole nine yards American spoken informal everything that you could possibly want, or expect to have: · He bought the computer, the printer, and the modem - the whole shebang.· It sounds like a great job offer -- benefits, retirement, the whole enchilada.· The guy in immigration wanted to see the whole nine yards -- passport, birth certificate, driver's license.
when someone always does something or something always happens · I always say my prayers before I go to bed.· She was always ready to listen to my problems.· Why do you always blame me for everything?· He always has sandwiches for his lunch.· My dad's always telling me I should get my hair cut.almost always · My brother is almost always late.
on every occasion - use this to say that when one thing happens, something else always happens: · My neck hurts every time I turn my head.· Every time we talk about money, we get into an argument.· It seems like every time I play basketball, I get hurt.
every time that something happens: · He calls Nancy whenever he's in town.· Feel free to use my computer whenever you need to.whenever possible (=whenever you can): · I try to use public transport whenever possible.
: every day/week/Monday etc use this to say that something happens regularly on each day, each week etc: · Thousands of tourists visit Spain every year.· We go to the movies almost every Saturday night.· Every year on her birthday, Jackie throws a big party at the Vineyard House.
: every day/week/year etc without fail if you do something without fail you always do it: · My mother goes to church every week without fail.· You must take the medication every day without fail.
continuing for a long time continuing for a long time without stopping: · Although we nearly always need extra drivers, we cannot guarantee continuous employment.· CNN provided continuous coverage of the trial.· The campsites have had three decades of continuous use.
continuous and seeming to be there all the time: · He suffered constant pain in the months before his death.· A newborn baby needs constant care and attention.· The refugees lived in constant fear of being attacked.
something good or pleasant such as peace or sleep that is uninterrupted continues for a long time with no interruptions: · On average, two-year-old children need ten to twelve hours of uninterrupted sleep a night.· Banks need uninterrupted, 24-hour computer systems.
an on-going activity, situation, or piece of work is not intended to end at a definite time, but will continue into the future: · The police refused to comment on the on-going investigation.· We have a major on-going research programme into North Sea pollution.
continuing without stopping: · She's been driving non-stop for hours.· Make sure he does some homework -- he'll watch TV non-stop if you let him.
without stopping for a rest: · Victor talked for forty minutes without a break.· On average, the human mind cannot concentrate on spoken information for more than six minutes without a break.
if something unpleasant or unusual continues for hours, days, miles etc on end , it continues for that time, distance without stopping: · The rain had been falling for days on end.· In Siberia the temperature can stay more than twenty below freezing for months on end.
if someone works or does something for ten hours, three days etc at a stretch , they do it for that time without stopping, although this may be difficult or unusual: · A lion can lie on the same spot, without moving, for twelve hours at a stretch.· Doctors who are forced to work 36 hours at a stretch cannot possibly be fully efficient.
if you do something for two solid hours, three solid weeks etc you do it continuously for that period with no breaks at all: · After eight solid hours of driving, I was exhausted.· Nobody really wants to sit through four solid hours of someone else's wedding video.
every day, every week etc for a long time: · The fighting went on week after week and there seemed no end to it.· She sits at home day after day, waiting for a message from her husband.
if something happens day in, day out , it happens every day and is always the same, with the result that it becomes very boring: · Working in a factory involves the same routine day in, day out.· He wears an old brown jacket day in, day out.
to not have a particular substance, quality, feature etc also haven't got especially British · He doesn't have much of a sense of humor.· Her little girl doesn't seem to have any fear at all.· It doesn't really have any practical use.· She said she hasn't got as much pain in her leg as she used to.
if someone or something lacks a particular substance, quality, feature, or ability, they have never had it: · He lacked the energy to argue with him.· Many people lack adequate pension arrangements.· Glenn has the discipline that Forman lacks.
not having or containing a particular substance, feature etc: · "With or without sugar?'' "Without, please!''· "Gourmet Food without Salt" is aimed at people with high-blood pressure.· He was without any sense whatsoever.
use this to describe the things that a place or thing does not have: · There aren't enough ladies' rooms at the stadium.· There wasn't a decent restaurant for miles.
if a product, food, or drink is free from a substance, especially one that is harmful, it does not contain that substance: · The new shampoo uses only natural products and is completely free from artificial colouring and preservatives.· Organic produce is free from harmful chemicals.
: sugar-free/fat-free/lead-free etc not containing sugar, fat, lead etc - use this especially about things that have been deliberately made this way: · a sugar-free soft drink· It looks like wine and tastes like wine, but it's almost alcohol-free.
to not have something also haven't got especially British · I don't have any brothers or sisters.· My parents haven't got a television.· The store didn't have the right type of glue in stock.· She hasn't got anything to wear for her interview.· Haven't we got any more tomatoes? I need some for the salad.not have something with you (=not have brought something with you) · I'm sorry, I don't seem to have my credit card with me -- can I pay by cheque?
if you do something without something, you do not have or own that thing: · Billy came to class without his school books.· You can't get a passport without a birth certificate.· There are so many people without jobs that companies receive hundreds of applications to each advertisement.· The schools are having to provide programs without adequate funding.
if something is missing , you do not have it because it has been lost, removed, or stolen: · Two of her front teeth were missing.· When I put my hand inside my pocket I discovered that my wallet was missing.have something missing: · The dog has part of his left ear missing.what's missing is/all that's missing is: · It's such a romantic setting -- all that's missing is the candles.
to not have something you need to not have something that you need, especially something that you need in order to do something: · Tom lacks confidence and needs a lot of encouragement.· They lived in appalling conditions, lacking even the most primitive sanitation.
if someone is without food, water, clothes, or other important things that they need, they do not have them: · Over a million people in the Sudan have been without supplies of food and water for several months.· Some towns are still without electricity after last week's storms.
to not have something that you usually have, for example food or sleep: · Lucas's soldiers had to go without food or water for several days.· New parents go without much sleep for at least the first few months. · There wasn't enough water to go around, and some people went without.
to live your life or do something you want to do without having something you need or without someone's help: · For three years I managed without pain-killing drugs.· From May to November it is very hot, but the schools do without air-conditioning.· Many of the young people here had never before had to do without.
if something happens through lack of a particular thing, it happens because there is not enough of that thing available or because there is none at all: · Crops and animals died through lack of rain.· The case was abandoned for lack of evidence.· We haven't yet quite succeeded, but not for want of trying.
not hurt or injured to not be hurt, even though you have been in a dangerous situation such as an accident: · The driver of the car was unhurt, but his passenger was killed.escape unhurt: · Six day trippers escaped unhurt when their hot air balloon hit power lines.otherwise unhurt (=apart from a condition that is not serious or physical): · The younger woman was suffering from shock but was otherwise unhurt.shaken/shocked but unhurt (=shocked, but not physically hurt): · The two youths, shaken but unhurt, declined to talk about the incident.
to not be hurt or harmed, even though you have been in a dangerous situation: · The hostages were released unharmed some time afterwards.escape unharmed: · All fourteen people who were working inside the building when the blaze started escaped unharmed.
informal if you have a dangerous experience and escape from it without a scratch , you do not have any injury at all, because you have been very lucky: walk away/escape without a scratch: · All four people in the car were seriously hurt, but the truck driver walked away without a scratch.
informal not seriously hurt in a war, accident etc: · Unlike Ed, Josh returned from the war in one piece.all in one piece: · I was extremely relieved when my son came back from the warzone all in one piece.
to not get injured in a very dangerous situation you have been involved in, because you have been very lucky - used especially in news reports: · I can hardly believe they were able to just walk away from the crash -- I thought they'd all been killed.
written not injured at all, even though you have had a dangerous experience: · The bullet grazed the side of his head, leaving him virtually unscathed.escape/emerge/come out of something unscathed: · Most of the passengers escaped from the plane unscathed.
use this to say that someone will not be hurt if they do something, or was not hurt by doing something, going somewhere etc: · If you keep quiet, you'll come to no harm.· I'm sure Craig's old enough to catch a train into town without coming to any harm.· Fortunately, none of the hostages came to any serious harm.
if something does not happen · Your car should be ready by 12 o'clock, but if not I'll let you know.· If you don't leave now, I'll call the police.· Try these gloves on. If they're not the right size I'll take them back.if not, why not? spoken (=used to ask why something has not happened or why someone has not done something) · Have you done your homework yet? If not, why not?
use this to say that something will happen if something else does not change the situation: · Unless the weather improves, we will have to cancel the game.· You won't pass your examinations unless you study hard.· Milk quickly turns sour, unless it's refrigerated.
use this when there will be a bad result if someone does not do something or if something does not happen: · Stir the sauce until it cools, otherwise it will be lumpy.· I'm glad you told me about the show being cancelled. Otherwise I'd have travelled all the way to Glasgow for nothing.
use this when you are warning someone what will happen if they do not do what you are telling them to do: · Be careful or you'll bump your head.· Stop making so much noise or else the neighbours will start complaining.
use this when you cannot do something if you do not do something else first: · No one can succeed in business without taking certain risks.· How can you judge a book without reading it?
use this when something will happen or continue in the way that you want, if something does not happen to prevent it: · Barring unexpected delays, work on the tunnel should be completed by the end of next month.
use this when you are saying what someone must do if they want to stop something bad from happening: · Put that money somewhere safe before it gets stolen.· That dog ought to be destroyed before it attacks any more children.
use this when you are saying what you will do if the first thing you suggested is not possible: · My mother wanted me to be a teacher or, failing that, a nurse.· Dr Schwabe said he could find me a room either on the campus, or failing that, in a house nearby.
immediately quickly and without any delay: · If your baby has a fever you should call the doctor immediately.· When mother saw my face, she knew immediately that something was wrong.· Knowing the case was urgent, I replied to her lawyer's email immediately.
also straight away British if you do something at once , right away , or straightaway , you do it immediately, especially because it is urgent: · The principal wants to see you at once.· We're in love and we want to get married right away.· You said it was important so I came straight away.
spoken if someone in authority orders you to do something this minute or right now , they want you to do it immediately, and they are usually annoyed with you: · Katie, put that down this minute, or you'll go straight to bed.· Tell Mick that I want to see him in my office, right now.
formal if you do something without delay , you do it immediately and without wasting any time, especially because it is important to do it as soon as possible: · If you lose your passport, you should contact the embassy without delay.· The crew and passengers were keen to get airborne without further delay.
when you do not need something to not need something or someone: · Do you want these text books? I don't need them any more.· Listen, people with disabilities do not need or want your pity.· According to Mahoney, the company did not need the cash, but was selling the division in an effort to streamline its operations.
use this about something which you do not need now, but which is available so that you can use it later or let someone else use it: · We have two spare tickets for the game - do you want to come?· Some couples will start married life in a spare room at the home of one set of parents -- usually the bride's.spare change: · It seemed like every time I turned around, some bum was hitting me up for spare change.
also can manage without to not need someone or something, because you can live normally or do what you need to do without them: · We should be able to manage without you for a few days.· "I can do without alcohol, but I can't do without the cigs," O'Hare wheezed.
to not need someone or something because you no longer use them or cannot think of a way of using them: · The fish spend their lives in darkness, and, having no use for eyes, are totally blind.· If society has no use for old people, is it any wonder that older people feel that their lives are without meaning?
formal to not need something: · Japan has its own space program and has no need of American technology.
formal to not need to use or do something that you usually use or do, because it is no longer necessary: · The company decided that it could dispense with the middle management level altogether.dispense with the formalities (=to not use formal or very polite behaviour, such as introducing people to each other): · We all know each other here, so I think we can dispense with the formalities.
words for describing people or machines that are quiet if someone or something is quiet , they make little or no noise: · I want you all to be very quiet and listen carefully.· Our new washing machine is much quieter than the old one.
written not making any sound at all: · The children remained silent and watchful as the police questioned their parents.· The engine is almost silent, even at high speed, and goes like a dream.fall silent (=stop talking): · The crowd fell silent as he stood up to speak.
if you do something or something happens without a sound , you do it or it happens with no noise at all - used especially in stories and descriptions of events: · The animal remained perfectly still, watching us without a sound.· There was a final shudder, and then the ship sank without a sound.· Each man died where he stood; they fell in their tracks without a sound.
to not make any noise at all: · Sit still, and don't make a sound.without making a sound: · She managed to get into the house without making a sound.
written if you do something in silence , you do it without speaking: · Thousands of protesters stood in silence outside the prison gates.· We drank our coffee in silence.in total/complete silence: · The two of them walked all the way to Matilda's house in complete silence.
when something happens without any problems at all if something you have arranged such as an event or journey goes like clockwork , it happens in exactly the way that was planned, with no problems at all: · After all that fuss, everything went like clockwork. You should have seen it.· 'Everything go all right?' 'Like clockwork.'· All through that summer, work on the farm went like clockwork.
if a planned event, journey, piece of work etc goes smoothly , there are no problems to spoil it: · If all goes smoothly, elections are expected in May.· In rehearsal, everything went smoothly, even the difficult fight scenes.· My presentation went remarkably smoothly, until one student asked an awkward question right at the end.
if a planned action or event happens without a hitch , it happens exactly as planned with no problems at all, even though some may have been expected: · The first phase of the operation was completed without a hitch.· TCI say they hope that approval will be granted for the takeover without a hitch.· Except for the priest forgetting the groom's middle name, the ceremony came off without a hitch.
if something that has been carefully planned goes according to plan , it happens in exactly the way you planned it would: · Development of our new computer system is going according to plan and it should be in operation by October.
suddenly if something happens suddenly , it happens quickly when you are not expecting it: · Suddenly there was a loud bang and all the lights went out.· I suddenly realized that there was someone following me.die suddenly (=die unexpectedly): · Several years ago her husband died suddenly at the age of 64.
suddenly - use this especially in stories or descriptions of past events: · We waited and waited, then all of a sudden we saw a sail on the horizon.· The way he decided to leave all of a sudden didn't make any sense.
if something happens out of the blue , you are not expecting it at all, and you are very surprised by it: · She told me, out of the blue, that she was going to live in New York.completely out of the blue: · Do you remember Jane? Well, she phoned me yesterday, completely out of the blue.
if something ends or if someone moves or speaks abruptly , they do it suddenly and unexpectedly: · The party was stopped abruptly when the police turned up.· She turned abruptly and went back inside.· "You may leave now,'' he said, abruptly.
if something bad or dangerous happens without warning , it happens suddenly and there were no signs that it was going to happen: · Without warning, tears began to roll down his cheeks.· At five to four Greg went into convulsions. It happened suddenly and without warning.
if you do something on the spur of the moment , you suddenly decide to do something that you had not planned to do: · I bought the car on the spur of the moment.· On the spur of the moment, we decided to head north that day instead of East.
if you say that someone does something or something appears from out of nowhere , it happens suddenly so that you are surprised or shocked: · From out of nowhere he asked me to marry him.· I was doing 80 miles per hour when from out of nowhere this cop on a motorcycle pulled me over.
if something happens at short notice , it happens suddenly without you having time to prepare for it: · Both players pulled out of the competition yesterday at short notice.· Occasionally, tours may have to be cancelled at short notice.
when you do or say something without thinking · Without thinking, Charlotte hugged the girl to try to comfort her.without thinking about · Most US companies are still spewing out carbon dioxide without thinking about its potential costs.
spoken if you give an answer off the top of your head , you say it without thinking about it for very long and without being sure it is correct: · "How much is the house worth?" "Off the top of my head, I'd say it's worth maybe $160,000."
if you say or do something in the heat of the moment , you do it very suddenly and without thinking when you are feeling angry or excited, so that you feel sorry about it afterwards: · "In the heat of the moment, my emotions took over and I hit him," Harper admitted.· Our children need to know not only how to prevent pregnancies, but also the long-term effects of a decision they make in the heat of the moment.
an automatic response, reaction, or answer is one that happens immediately and without you having to think, especially because you have done it many times before: · A teacher's automatic reaction is to correct mistakes in language.· Elizabeth immediately flew into a rage - her automatic response to any kind of criticism.
if you do something automatically , you do it as a natural reaction and without thinking, because it is what you always do: · His mother continued to talk angrily, and Tim's thoughts automatically switched to more pleasant subjects.· You cannot automatically assume that everything your teacher says is correct.
a reflex action, response, or movement is a physical movement that you make as a natural reaction to something, without having to think about doing it: · a reflex eye movement· At birth, an infant can perform only simple reflex actions and behaviours.
a reaction that someone makes without thinking at all, because it is the way they always react - use this about a reaction that you expect and disapprove of: · Their knee-jerk reaction is to object to everything the management suggests.· If a journalist's judgement is questioned, the knee-jerk reaction is usually, "I have a right to print whatever I want, so I will."
an off-the-cuff remark is one that you make without thinking carefully and without any preparation: · The press officer said that the president's statement was an off-the-cuff remark, not as an official statement of policy.
extremely useful · This book has been invaluable as a source of teaching materials.· Contact with Western medical techniques proved invaluable, and the student doctors have benefited greatly.invaluable to · Margaret's sensible suggestions have been invaluable to us.invaluable for/in doing something · Improved sewage and water services were invaluable in preventing disease.
someone or something that is indispensable is so useful and important that you cannot do something without them: · For mountain-climbing a really good sleeping-bag is indispensable.· She soon became an indispensable member of staff.indispensable to: · A knowledge of classical music is indispensable to anyone who wants to apply for this job.
spoken use this about someone or something that is so useful that it would be very difficult to do something without them: · Of course we all have concerns about the environment but you can't do without a car out here in the countryside with no public transport.· Top TV chef Billy Williams says he couldn't manage without his food processor: "It cuts down preparation time by about half and saves you all those fiddly tasks."
not worried also unconcerned formal · Sam had stayed out late before, so we weren't particularly worried when he didn't return.· Brian didn't seem at all concerned when the car broke down.not worried/concerned about · He insists that he is not worried about the poor showing his party made in the recent local elections. · For once, Karen seemed unconcerned about the possibility of being late for class. not in the least bit worried etc (=not at all worried) · Even after losing her job, she doesn't seem in the least bit worried.
feeling relaxed again because you do not need to worry about something that you worried about before: · "Oh," she said, relieved. "I'm so glad you're back."seem/feel/look/appear relieved: · The hostages simply look relieved to be going home.relieved that: · I was relieved that John was there to help me explain.· The government will be relieved that a crisis has been averted.relieved at: · Sahlin appeared relieved at my news.relieved to know/hear/find/learn etc something: · I'm so relieved to see you!· Polly was relieved to learn that her mother's illness was not a serious one.· Andrew was relieved to discover that he was not himself under suspicion.
spoken if something is a weight off your mind you do not have to worry any more because something has happened to make you feel happier about it: be a great/big/enormous weight off somebody's mind: · No doubt the news will be a huge weight off his mind.take a weight off somebody's mind: · Now that Peter has passed all his exams, it's taken a great weight off my mind.
the pleasant feeling you have when you no longer have to worry about something: · A white envelope lay on the mat. Holmes felt considerable relief.a feeling/sense of relief: · Edwards commented that the convictions give him a feeling of relief that he hopes the victim shares.with relief: · To her own surprise, she began sobbing with relief.to somebody's relief (=making them feel relieved): · To Greg's relief, nobody asked to check his ticket.· The rains came this weekend, much to the relief of tomato growers in Florida. breathe/heave a sigh of relief (=show by your behaviour that you are no longer worried about something): · You could hear the students breathing a collective sigh of relief when the final bell rang.it is a relief to know/hear/see/find etc: · It was such a relief to see Liz looking healthy again.· Mary says it's a relief to have someone to talk to at last.come as a relief: · The decision, announced on Thursday, came as a huge relief to the factory's 300 workers.
to not be worried by a problem because you do not think it is important enough: · I tried my best, and I certainly won't be losing any sleep over the result.· It's not that serious. I wouldn't lose sleep over it if I were you.
if you have no qualms about something, you are not worried about it, especially because you are sure it is the right thing to do: have no qualms about: · One protestor said he would have no qualms about bombing the clinic.· He was a man who had no qualms about preaching one thing and practising another in his private life.
cheerful and not worried about anything, because you do not have any real problems or responsibilities in your life: · I felt carefree for the first time in my life.· They both laughed, feeling like two carefree schoolgirls.
if someone is without a care in the world , they are not worried about anything at all and are happy: · I was just sixteen, young, confident and without a care in the world.· He puffed away on his pipe as if he didn't have a care in the world.
to laugh and refuse to worry or be serious about a problem, when someone is trying to talk to you about it: laugh off something: · Venables laughed off suggestions that he will be asked to retire.· She took praise with delight, and laughed off any criticisms with good humour.laugh it off: · She was genuinely angry, but Luke just tried to laugh it off.
not reasonable or necessary · I don't deny that what I did was wrong, but I had no choice at the time.· Do you think violence is always wrong, even in self-defence?wrong with · There's nothing wrong with making money, is there? be wrong (of somebody) to do something · It is wrong to treat people this way -- they should be given a chance to defend themselves.· It was wrong of Sophie to take the money without asking.
something such as criticism or bad treatment of someone that is unjustified is unfair and cannot be shown to have a good reason: · Many disabled people suffer from unjustified discrimination when they apply for jobs.· Brian has the reputation, unjustified in my opinion, of being a bit of a bore.totally/completely unjustified: · I think your criticisms of Mr Ward are completely unjustified.
not fair, reasonable, or true: · It is morally unjustifiable to punish a whole class for the actions of one or two of its members.· unjustifiable accusations
unreasonable demands, requests, orders etc are unfair and not based on any good reason: · I think your attitude is most unreasonable.· I don't think the amount of homework they get is unreasonable.· Even the most caring parents will sometimes make unreasonable demands on their children.it is unreasonable to do something: · Don't you think it's a little unreasonable to charge someone $75 just for parking their car?
an unwarranted action or criticism is not deserved and is not based on any good reason: · Many sportsmen and women consider random drug-testing to be an unwarranted invasion of their privacy.· His attorney called the punishment 'excessively severe' and 'unwarranted'. unwarranted assumptions/beliefs/conclusions: · He warned members of the public not to jump to any unwarranted conclusions about the tragedy.
done for no good reason and causing unnecessary harm or offence: · He has criticised the film industry for its use of gratuitous sex and violence.· There's no point in exchanging gratuitous insults with them.
an unprovoked attack or criticism is directed at someone who did nothing to deserve it: · A man died in an apparently unprovoked attack in central Oxford last night.· Troops have been accused of unprovoked aggression against innocent civilians.
if someone does something without good reason , they do not have a good reason for doing it, and this may lead to trouble or punishment: · Anyone who is late without good reason will be punished.· An employer is unlikely to dismiss an employee without good reason.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Without so much as a word of thanks, Ben turned and went back into the office (=he did not even say thank you as he should have done).COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES They used their tanks against the leftists without compunction. It was just a comfortable flat with no frills. The whole show went without a hitch. TV ads implied that a woman was incomplete without a man. She’s a great friend and I’d be lost without her. Hardly a day passes without more bad news about the economy (=there is bad news almost every day). He died without a penny to his name. Harding gave him the news without preamble (=without saying anything else before it). Collins dealt with the reporters’ questions without breaking stride.
Without so much as a word of thanks, Ben turned and went back into the office (=he did not even say thank you as he should have done).· He was being held without bail pending another hearing.
· She had been arrested twice and released without charge.
They used their tanks against the leftists without compunction. (also disappear without trace British English) (=completely)· Hundreds of people disappear without trace every year.
(=without any doubt)· I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I was going to win.
(=easily, without trying hard)· Her horse jumped the fence without any effort.
· The proposal has been greeted with enthusiasm by both parties.
(=telling the truth and not exaggerating)· The men spoke without exaggeration about their ordeal.
· Without exception, all the children were well behaved and polite.
It was just a comfortable flat with no frills. (=used to say that something happens almost every day, week etc) Hardly a month goes by without another factory closing down.
Hardly a month goes by without another factory closing down. The whole show went without a hitch. TV ads implied that a woman was incomplete without a man. She’s a great friend and I’d be lost without her.· Trains may be cancelled without notice.
Hardly a day passes without more bad news about the economy (=there is bad news almost every day). He died without a penny to his name.· Pages should not be copied without the permission of the publisher.
Harding gave him the news without preamble (=without saying anything else before it). Collins dealt with the reporters’ questions without breaking stride. (=disappear completely, without leaving any sign of what happened) The plane vanished without a trace.
The plane vanished without a trace. (=easily)· The work was carried out without any trouble.
(=disappear so that no sign remains) The youngster vanished without a trace one day and has never been found.
The youngster vanished without a trace one day and has never been found.· Police fired into the crowd without warning.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► without cease► without doubt► without so much as a by your leave► never let a day/week/year etc go by without doing something► you can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs► have no parallel/be without parallel► without reply► not give something a second thought/without a second thought
1not having something, especially something that is basic or necessary: - Without wanting to, Rose was drawn to watch.
- Without wishing to be demeaning, computer literacy and competence is not particularly high on the list of archival training.
- Without wishing to scare you unduly, you should be aware that sharks do lurk out there.
- Without wishing to tempt providence in any way, we appear to have got away lighting in so far as Winter is concerned.
- He had had enough experience of strangers probing his own hurts without wanting to pry into those of others.
- Lying in bed, she thought of him without wanting to hurt him at all.
- She sank deep down again, unable to stay alert, and saw without wanting to a giant Catherine-wheel in the sky.
- The expectation from government industrial ReD is one of reducing dependency on imports without wanting to achieve self-sufficiency.
- And without more ado he booked his one-way ticket.
- Left leaderless, the city surrendered to Bustamante without further ado.
- Stan then moved closer to Melanie, and a major fight erupted without further ado.
- The emptying of the house could therefore no longer be postponed and Charlotte had decided to put matters in hand without further ado.
- The selection board interviewed him and rejected his application without further ado.
- Then, without more ado, he loaded the horses into the trailer.
- Then, without more ado, he turned on his heel and left, slamming the door behind him.
- Don't expect to be caught in the rush.
- He is caught in a storm and crashes.
- He was caught in the end, trying to bury one of the bodies in the cemetery, in a fresh grave.
- She was caught in the seducing current, and she could not break free.
- The actual death toll is much greater because thousands more turtles are caught in fishing nets and suffocate.
- The Tokyo government is caught in a dilemma, according to Hazelwood.
- They are caught in this place of denial and unrealized emotion and desire.
- Worse, he was caught in the cross fire of local conflicts.
- The bodies were buried without ceremony in hastily dug graves.
- The dancing in the show had a beauty that was beyond compare.
- She went to her chamber and used every art she knew to make herself beautiful beyond compare.
- The Muses had no instrument peculiar to them, but their voices were lovely beyond compare.
- Their written language was the most advanced of the pre-Columbian scripts, and their astronomical knowledge beyond compare.
- I'll really be up the creek if I don't get paid this week.
- Chairmen of football clubs are only in the papers and on the radio when the team is up the creek.
- What he learned from that interview was that Graham Ross was up the creek without a paddle.
- But it could not do without its law students who brought business and fame and brilliance to the town.
- But new designs, which do without costly transformers, have trimmed prices.
- Everyone did, because the alternative was to do without.
- He counsels his congregation to do without the extras in order to have more family time.
- The challenge of making do without the domesticating power of women was, for many men, a practical matter.
- We, the volunteers, can do without this hassle.
- What would I do without Rosey?
- And this you can do without a wall.
- Can you suggest anything I can do without making him feel unhappy or threatened?
- Neither can do without some comfort and support in your life.
- Oh, I think you can do without that.
- The hunt can do without a report like that in the local press.
- This is a job you can do without too much difficulty.
- We, the volunteers, can do without this hassle.
- His paintings are without equal in the Western world.
- As a family holiday destination, Bournemouth is without equal.
- His attention to detail is legendary and as a strategist he is without equal.
- His musical prowess still undiminished at 65, he is without equal when it comes to instrumental excellence and stylistic versatility.
- If Richter's Brahms is a revelation, then his playing of Liszt is without equal.
- Danny comes over every Sunday without fail.
- I want that work finished by tomorrow, without fail!
- My mother goes to church every week without fail.
- You must take the medication every day without fail.
- He had some home truths to impart and presented them without fear or favour.
- Now near retirement after a long career in product development, Mr Dulude can presumably act without fear or favour.
- I believe that claims of "psychic powers" are without foundation.
- The Observer said that it had not intended to convey that meaning, and accepted that the allegation was without foundation.
- Despite these difficulties, it goes without saying that no book should be ordered unless the price is known.
- For seasons at a time he went without a roof or bed and for months had no shirt on his back.
- It goes without saying that any infringements of these new restrictions will imperil what is already an extremely sensitive access agreement.
- It goes without saying that Quinn lost a good deal of weight during this period.
- Nurse Ian Ballantyne, 26, alleged that Mr Stockton had gone without his medicine on previous occasions.
- Of course it goes without saying that the aquarium glass must always be perfectly clean for best results.
- They went without a flashlight, as the Managuans do if they are out of doors when the lights go out.
- And it goes without saying that Wild is a Lisztian of the finest order.
- Concentrated, clear meat juice, must, it goes without saying, be added.
- Despite these difficulties, it goes without saying that no book should be ordered unless the price is known.
- Historically it goes without saying that we have used all kinds of nature, and especially animals, for human benefit.
- I think it goes without saying that a rested person is a better person, more able to face life.
- Non-fiction books, too, it goes without saying, are a good source.
- Of course it goes without saying that the aquarium glass must always be perfectly clean for best results.
- He shifted restlessly on the bed, thinking of what would happen if he should die without issue.
- Instead of the passport opening frontiers to the traveller without let or hindrance, it has become the means of international surveillance.
- It should flow easily, though not too swiftly, through the manholes, without let or hindrance.
- The willingness to thin the office staff without let or hindrance.
- Truth, however tawdry or trivial, may be told without let or hindrance from libel laws.
- Cuomo answered the reporters' questions without missing a beat.
- They can present, explain, and deliver our solutions without missing a beat.
- Woody Harrelson came in for the late Nicholas Colasanto without missing a beat.
- I never received so much as a reply.
- The car survived the accident without so much as a dent.
- He had never had a day of sickness, not so much as a cold.
- How could we have put their bag into ours without so much as a single check?
- I, who had traveled all that long day on that train without so much as a cheese in my pocket?
- It is a matter of tone, not so much as content.
- So far in Rajasthan, I had not so much as nodded to another female.
- That he had dumped her without a word, without so much as a goodbye.
- We got our six appearances, and not so much as one drop-by or mix-and-mingle extra.
- When they go straight to bed without so much as ordering a toasted sandwich or spending money at the bar.
- And although we might challenge their right to run our lives we often let them run our language without a murmur.
- Of the Tuscan towns, Amelia and Otricoli were the only ones to accept papal domination without a murmur.
- One slip, and it would sweep you away without a murmur or a cry.
- She left without a murmur although she had only a year and a half to go to complete her secondary education.
- She took the punishments meted out to her without a murmur.
- The door was ajar and opened without a murmur.
- It is to risk leaving out what religion is really about, rather like music without sound, or mathematics without numbers.
- The potential applications are almost without number.
- They forgot the message times without number.
- Zbigniew Shapira, not yet thirty, had talents without number.
- And when Sam was old enough to leave home maybe she could lead a life of her own without prejudice.
- If you mark the letter without prejudice then taxation will be on the basis of what you put in the bill.
- So as much as the reviewers' preferences shine through, I still feel that they review without prejudice.
- This enables a student to optimise the opportunities presented to him without prejudice to his progression through the examination system.
- We can blend the two, without prejudice, to provide the stepping-stone for a more complete psychology.
- We had no preconception of the results and analysed our data without prejudice.
- Insurance companies once paid medical bills almost without question, but no longer.
- Their weapons technology is without question a threat to us.
- However, the director so removed is not without remedy.
- If a corporate public authority is unable to sue for libel it is, however, by no means without remedy.
- It was beyond remedy, I thought.
- This does not mean, however, that a taxpayer would necessarily be without remedy in such a situation.
- Don't ask me how - but I knew it without a shadow of a doubt.
- Now she knew without a shadow of doubt that she wasn't.
- But unlike the Titanic, the story of the Tek Sing and its passengers sank without trace.
- Early attempts - including putting a ping-pong ball inside a soap bar - sank without trace.
- It was even tried years ago by Olivetti among others, but those products sank without trace.
- Many small labels have sunk without trace.
- Now that has all been sunk without trace.
- The Labour government broke up and the report of the Macmillan Committee sank without trace.
- Then the shipyards sank without trace, and it was three years on the dole.
- And if you believe there's no smoke without fire, Sean Young must be a towering inferno.
- But there's no smoke without fire.
- So far in Rajasthan, I had not so much as nodded to another female.
- He had never had a day of sickness, not so much as a cold.
- How could we have put their bag into ours without so much as a single check?
- I, who had traveled all that long day on that train without so much as a cheese in my pocket?
- It is a matter of tone, not so much as content.
- That he had dumped her without a word, without so much as a goodbye.
- We got our six appearances, and not so much as one drop-by or mix-and-mingle extra.
- When they go straight to bed without so much as ordering a toasted sandwich or spending money at the bar.
- He throws himself without a word on to the blanket beside him.
- Jed began to know where Creed wanted to go without a word being uttered.
- Now this woman of endless stories, a teacher, lies without words, waiting to die.
- She turned without a word and walked back to where her friends lay like casualties.
- Sitting down opposite without a word he picked up the glass and emptied the contents down his throat.
- Still without a word Pearl brought Ezra to the tiny kitchen.
- The place is empty but for the bar and three or four slightly-built lads shooting pool without words.
- Then she turned and without a word left him and the house, too.
After the storm we were without electricity for five days. a house without a garden We passed two ruined abbeys, one with a tower and one without. I’m getting used to managing without a car. → do without at do2, → go without at go12used to say that a particular thing has not happened when someone does something: Suddenly and without any warning, the army opened fire. He had gone out without his parents’ permission. I accepted his offer without a moment’s hesitation. I got to my destination without too much difficulty.without doing something ‘What do you expect?’ he said, without looking at her. Without so much as a word of thanks, Ben turned and went back into the office (=he did not even say thank you as he should have done).3not feeling or showing that you feel a particular emotion: He told his story without anger or bitterness.4not being with someone, or not having them to help you, especially someone you like or need: I don’t know what I’d do without you. Won’t you be lonely without her? The rest of the group set off without him.5without wanting/wishing to do something used before a criticism, complaint, or other statement to make it less strong: Without wanting to sound too boastful, I think we have the best television programmes in the world.6old use outside → reckon without at reckon