never mind

idiomatic phrase

1
used to tell someone not to be concerned about or give attention to something or someone
Never mind your mistake: it wasn't serious.So you made a little mistake! Never mind (about that): it wasn't serious.'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' said I. 'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' Arthur Conan DoyleHe would tell Blossom that she might go back to her aunt and never mind about him—he would do very well by himself and he did not blame her in the least. Lucy Maud Montgomery
2
used to say that something previously mentioned or asked can be disregarded
Do you know where my keys are? Oh, never mind. Here they are.
3
used to refer to something that is even less likely or possible than something else being mentioned or described
I can barely understand it, never mind explain it.With this knee I can hardly walk, never mind run.Never mind mastering a second language or a subject syllabus, most us have enough difficulty remembering the orders for a round of drinks at the pub. David Robson

Example Sentences

I have a hard enough time getting out of bed before sunrise, never mind getting to work so early.

Word History

First Known Use

1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of never mind was in 1677

Dictionary Entries Near never mind

Cite this Entry

“Never mind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/never%20mind. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.

More from Merriam-Webster on never mind

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Words Named After People

  • name tags
  • Namesake of the leotard, Jules Léotard had what profession?
Name That Thing

You know what it looks like… but what is it called?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ