English

Verb

can do without

1. To not want something, perhaps because it would make the situation worse, or would simply be very annoying.

   I can do without your moaning all the time. I've got enough problems as it is!

Usage notes

• Can do without is generally used for situations that can be changed, while could do without is often used in situations which cannot be changed. This is not a hard and fast rule.

See also

• could do with, could do without
• can do with
• could have done with, could have done without