go without
B1 neutral inseparable both
In simple words
To live or manage without something you need or would like to have.
Literal meaning: To go or proceed while lacking something.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To manage or live without something essential or desired, often due to necessity.
"During the war, many families went without heating or proper food."
"They went without so that their children could have more."
— Common formulation in journalism covering poverty; widely used across publications including The Guardian and BBC News.
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral
To choose not to have something; to go without something voluntarily.
"If there isn't enough for everyone, I'm happy to go without."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Can be used with or without an object ('go without food' vs. 'we'll just have to go without'). The phrase 'it goes without saying' is a completely separate fixed expression meaning something is obvious. Often implies hardship or sacrifice.
Commonly used with
food sleep luxuries heating pay necessities
Forms
Base
go without
I/you/we/they
3rd person
goes without
he/she/it
Past simple
went without
yesterday
Past participle
gone without
have + pp
-ing form
going without
continuous
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