without
/wɪˈðaʊt/preposition★Beginner
general
Not having or including something; lacking
The recipe calls for sugar, but you can make it without.
You don't need to add sugar to the recipe.
He spoke without hesitation.
He spoke confidently, without pausing.
💡
Often used to describe absence or exclusion of something.
Collocations
without failalways, definitelywithout questioncertainly, definitelywithout a doubtundoubtedly, certainly
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
without a hitchphrase
smoothly, without problems
without a care in the worldphrase
completely relaxed and carefree
💡Pro Tip
Common Usage
Use 'without' to describe absence or exclusion, often followed by a noun or gerund.
Avoid Confusion
Do not confuse 'without' with 'with'—they have opposite meanings.
⚡Gold Rule
Correct Usage
'Without' is always followed by a noun or gerund, never a verb in its base form.
📖Word Origin
From Middle English 'withoute', from Old English 'wīþūtan', from Proto-Germanic 'wīþr' (against) + 'ūtan' (outside).
📝Usage Notes
Can be used as a preposition or adverb. Often followed by a noun or gerund.
Word Breakdown
with
together with
prefixout
outside or away from
suffixEnglish Dictionary