no joy
The phrase "no joy" originated in military and aviation contexts but has since expanded to general use, indicating a lack of success.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2General
(idiomatic, informal)A lack of success or a negative outcome.
Example
- I tried calling her several times, but no joy.
- They searched for hours, but there was no joy in finding the missing keys.
C1Military and Aviation
(technical)A report indicating that a target or objective has not been sighted or acquired.
Example
- The reconnaissance team reported no joy in locating the enemy base.
- Ground control: 'Pilot, be aware of traffic at 2 o'clock.' Pilot: 'Copy that, no joy.'
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "no joy":