do without
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
To be okay without having something, even if you would prefer to have it.
Literal meaning: To carry out (do) tasks in the absence of (without) something.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To manage or function in the absence of something necessary or desired.
"We ran out of sugar, so we'll have to do without in the morning."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1
idiomatic
informal
To prefer not to have something or someone, often said sarcastically.
"I could really do without all this extra stress right now."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Very common in everyday English. Often used in expressions of resilience ('we'll just have to do without') or ironic understatement. Can also be used sarcastically ('I could do without his constant complaints').
Commonly used with
car coffee help sleep luxury central heating
Forms
Base
do without
I/you/we/they
3rd person
does without
he/she/it
Past simple
did without
yesterday
Past participle
done without
have + pp
-ing form
doing without
continuous
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