English

Verb

could do without ‎(past participle could have done without)

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

   I could do without the CEO coming today of all days. I've got enough problems as it is!

Usage notes

• This is the subjunctive form of can do without.
• 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
• can do with, can do without
• could have done with, could have done without