No joy Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈnoʊ/ /ˈdʒɔɪ

NOH JOY

UK

nəʊ/ /dʒˈɔɪ

noh JOY

Definition

An informal phrase that means there was no success or the attempt failed. Used to report that something did not go as hoped.

Usage & Nuances

'No joy' is informal and often used after trying something, especially when giving updates (e.g., 'I checked the system—no joy'). Common in British, Australian, and American English. Do not use in formal writing. Related phrases: 'no luck', 'no go'. Rarely used as a response (e.g., if someone asks 'Any news?' one might reply 'No joy.').

• Spanish: sin suerte - sin éxito
• Portuguese (BR): sem sucesso - nada feito
• Portuguese (PT): sem sucesso - nada feito
• Chinese (Simplified): 没有成功 - 毫无收获
• Chinese (Traditional): 沒有成功 - 毫無收穫
• Hindi: कोई सफलता नहीं - कोई परिणाम नहीं
• Arabic: لم يحالفنا الحظ - لم ننجح
• Bengali: কোনো সাফল্য নেই - কোনো ফল হয়নি
• Russian: без успеха - ничего не вышло
• Japanese: 成果なし - うまくいかない
• Vietnamese: không thành công - không được
• Korean: 성공 없음 - 결과 없음
• Turkish: başarı yok - sonuç yok
• Urdu: کامیابی نہیں ملی - کامیاب نہ ہوئے
• Indonesian: tidak berhasil - belum ada hasil

Example Sentences

I tried calling her, but no joy.

basic

We looked everywhere for the keys—no joy.

basic

He tried to fix the computer, but no joy.

basic

I emailed tech support, but still no joy so far.

natural

Tried all the usual fixes, but no joy yet.

natural

I checked with everyone, but it's no joy on the tickets.

natural