without

The word “without” means not having or accompanied by something. In plain terms, lacking something, or not doing something.

“Without” is pronounced wihth-OWT (/wɪθˈaʊt/ in IPA).

Here is “without” used in a sentence: “He left without saying goodbye.”

Words with a similar meaning to “without” include lacking, outwith, with no, -less, w/o and sans.

The opposite of “without” — its antonyms — are within, with, having, characteristic of and endowed with.

Depending on how it is used, “without” can be a preposition and a conjunction.

The word “without” comes from Old English. From Old English wiþūtan, literally "against the outside of," formed from with plus out.

“Without” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

The clear opposite is "with," meaning having or accompanied by something. "Tea without sugar" becomes "tea with sugar." Depending on the sentence, "including," "plus," or "having" can also serve as opposites, but "with" is the natural pair that reverses the meaning of "without" in almost every case.

To "do without" or "go without" something means to manage or cope even though you lack it. "We'll have to do without heating" means carrying on despite not having it. The phrase suggests accepting the absence of something you might want or need, and getting by regardless of the inconvenience.

"Without" is a simple preposition stating that something is absent, as in "a room without windows." "Lacking" is more pointed, implying that the missing thing is needed or expected, so its absence is a shortcoming. A room without windows is neutral; a plan lacking detail falls short of what it should be.