Meaninglessness: meaning, definitions and examples
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meaninglessness
[ˌmiːnɪŋˈlɛsnəs ]
Definitions
feeling of
The state or quality of being meaningless; lack of significance or purpose.
Synonyms
insignificance, pointlessness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| meaninglessness |
Used when expressing the lack of significance or purpose of something, often in an existential or philosophical context.
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| pointlessness |
Used when highlighting the lack of purpose, effectiveness, or value in an action or thing. Often carries a sense of futility and sometimes frustration.
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| insignificance |
Applied to describe something that is too small or unimportant to be worth considering. Often used in a practical or comparative context.
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Examples of usage
- It was a moment of complete meaninglessness.
- She felt overwhelmed by the meaninglessness of life.
philosophy
The philosophical concept that life has no inherent meaning or purpose.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| meaninglessness |
Meaninglessness refers to a lack of purpose or significance. It's often used in philosophical or existential discussions.
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| nihilism |
Nihilism is a philosophical belief that life is without objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value. It can have a negative connotation and is often discussed in contexts related to existential philosophy or extreme skepticism.
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| absurdity |
Absurdity is used to describe something that is ridiculous or nonsensical. It is often used in situations where something is so illogical that it challenges common sense.
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Examples of usage
- Existentialists often explore the idea of meaninglessness in their works.
- The character in the novel struggles with the concept of meaninglessness.
Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- Existentialists, like Jean-Paul Sartre, argued that life is absurd and we must create our own meaning.
- Absurdism, a philosophy related to existentialism, emphasizes the conflict between humans' search for meaning and the universe's indifference.
- In nihilism, the belief prevails that life lacks inherent meaning, leading some to embrace a more liberated or despairing philosophy.
Literature
- In modern literature, a common theme is the search for meaning in a chaotic world, often depicted in works like Albert Camus’ 'The Stranger'.
- Symbols of emptiness, such as barren landscapes or lifeless settings, are frequently used to convey meaninglessness.
- 'Waiting for Godot' by Samuel Beckett encapsulates the struggle with meaninglessness, showcasing characters who wait indefinitely, reflecting the human experience.
Psychology
- Studies show that individuals feeling a sense of meaninglessness may struggle with mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
- The concept of 'existential vacuum' describes a feeling of emptiness that people may experience when their lives lack purpose.
- Research indicates that having a sense of meaning can improve resilience against stress and promote overall mental well-being.
Sociology
- In a fast-paced, technology-driven society, many people experience a sense of meaninglessness due to disconnection from community and values.
- Cultural shifts, such as increasing individualism, can lead to feelings of isolation that amplify a sense of meaninglessness.
- Social movements often arise in response to perceived meaninglessness, as people seek a cause or purpose larger than themselves.
Art
- Contemporary art often explores themes of meaninglessness, challenging viewers to find their own interpretations among ambiguity.
- Dadaism emerged as a reaction against the horrors of war, reflecting disdain for meaning and order in artistic expression.
- In abstract art, the lack of recognizable forms can evoke feelings of confusion and highlight the search for meaning in a chaotic world.
Translations
Translations of the word "meaninglessness" in other languages:
🇵🇹 insignificância
🇮🇳 अर्थहीनता
🇩🇪 Sinnlosigkeit
🇮🇩 ketiadaan makna
🇺🇦 безглуздість
🇵🇱 bezsensowność
🇯🇵 無意味
🇫🇷 insignifiance
🇪🇸 insignificancia
🇹🇷 anlamsızlık
🇰🇷 무의미
🇸🇦 عدم المعنى
🇨🇿 nesmyslnost
🇸🇰 nezmyselnosť
🇨🇳 无意义
🇸🇮 nesmiselnost
🇮🇸 merkingarleysi
🇰🇿 мағынасыздық
🇬🇪 უსარგებლობა
🇦🇿 mənasızlıq
🇲🇽 insignificancia