English Reference
Idiom idiom

no joy


A negative outcome; no success; a failure.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

I tried to call the office, but I had no joy.

CONTEXTUAL

We searched everywhere for the missing keys, but we had no joy and had to call a locksmith.

COMPLEX

Despite his persistent efforts to persuade the board to reconsider the proposal, he ultimately found no joy in his endeavor.


Related idioms2entries
  1. 01

    bundle of joy

    A newborn baby.

  2. 02

    jump for joy

    To exult, rejoice, or feel elation.

Last updated August 10, 2026