What it means
ことなく expresses doing something without carrying out the action described by the preceding verb. It usually follows a verb in the dictionary form and describes an action or situation that continues without interruption or without a particular action taking place. The expression is formal and is especially common in written descriptions, reports, and serious statements. It often corresponds to “without doing” or “without ever doing” in English.
Usage note
ことなく is more formal than ないで and ずに, so it can sound stiff in casual conversation. It should normally follow a verb, not a noun or adjective.
How to use it
彼は一度も休むことなく、三時間働き続けました。
He continued working for three hours without taking a break.
彼は一度も休むことなく、三時間働き続けた。
He continued working for three hours without taking a break.
Example sentences
彼は一度も故郷へ帰ることなく、海外で三十年働き続けた。
He continued working abroad for thirty years without ever returning to his hometown.
市は住民への説明会を開くことなく、古い橋の通行を突然禁止した。
The city suddenly prohibited traffic on the old bridge without holding an explanatory meeting for residents.