I. ˈner(ˌ)düˌwel, ˈneə(- noun
( -s )
Etymology: from the phrase ne'er do well
: a person who never does well : good-for-nothing
the backwash of society … tramps, prostitutes and ne'er-do-wells — F.J.Jirka
charming, desirable, yet essentially a ne'er-do-well — John Nerber
II. adjective
: never doing well : shiftless , incompetent
a ne'er-do-well couple that has neglected farm, home, and church — H.H.Reichard