What Does It Mean?
The phrase “It is no pleasure doing something” expresses that an action is performed out of necessity, obligation, or duty — not because it brings joy or satisfaction.
It often conveys emotional conflict: the speaker may dislike the task but feels compelled to do it anyway.
Origin & Usage
This construction has roots in formal and literary English. It’s commonly used in serious contexts — such as moral dilemmas, professional responsibilities, or difficult personal decisions.
“It is no pleasure to me to write this letter, but I must tell you the truth.”
Notice how the phrase emphasizes the speaker’s internal struggle while maintaining resolve.
Real-Life Examples
In the workplace: “It is no pleasure laying off loyal employees, but the company must survive.”
In relationships: “It is no pleasure confronting you about this, but honesty matters to me.”
In literature: Often appears in novels when characters face ethical choices (e.g., Jane Austen, Charles Dickens).
Grammar Note
The structure follows: It is no pleasure + [verb]-ing + [object/complement].
- ✅ It is no pleasure waiting in long lines.
- ✅ It is no pleasure telling someone bad news.
- ❌ Not: “It is no pleasure to wait…” (less idiomatic in this specific phrasing)
While “It is no pleasure to do something” is grammatically correct, the -ing form is more natural and common with this exact phrase.
Try It Yourself!
Type a sentence using the phrase below: