no-nonsense

adjective

no-non·​sense ˈnō-ˌnän-ˌsen(t)s 

-ˈnän(t)-sən(t)s

: tolerating no nonsense : serious, businesslike

a no-nonsense manager

Synonyms of no-nonsense

• solemn
• serious
• stern
• professional
• earnest

Examples of no-nonsense in a Sentence

a no-nonsense gymnastics coach

Recent Examples on the Web

Strength coach Rusty Whitt has transformed players’ bodies while instilling a competitive fire and no-nonsense approach. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Sep. 2026

The consultancy is geared toward professionals who aren’t receiving much guidance on the job; participants will likely receive some of that no-nonsense feedback Campanile was known for at 60 Minutes. — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2026

As evidence of the no-nonsense pact that has kept their friendship healthy and strong, Sheindlin offered up a comment Jackson once directed at her that might have sent someone else running for the door. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2026

The other two, the no-nonsense Clara (Ayanna Nicole Thomas) and the all-nonsense Farley (Gabriel Marcus Omlor), have a subplot of their own. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for no-nonsense

• nonsense

Kids Definition

no-nonsense

adjective

: putting up with or including no nonsense : serious

a no-nonsense manager