Nonentity: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe a person who is considered insignificant or lacking distinctive features or abilities.

• Despite his wealth, he remained a nonentity in the social circles of the city.
• The character in the novel was treated as a nonentity, always overlooked by those around her.

Often used in everyday conversation to describe someone who is not famous or not important in a particular context.

• In Hollywood, you can go from being a nobody to a star overnight.
• He felt like a nobody when he didn't get invited to the important meetings.

Used in a formal or somewhat technical context, especially to describe someone whose existence or rights are ignored or denied. Note that it has a strong, often negative connotation.

• Under the oppressive regime, dissenters were treated as nonpersons.
• The whistleblower became a nonperson after revealing the company's secrets.

Used informally, sometimes harshly, to describe someone who is considered to have no worth or influence. It can have a deeply negative and disrespectful tone.

• In the eyes of the boss, he was a zero who brought nothing to the team.
• The bully called him a zero, trying to crush his self-esteem.

To describe a person or thing with no special or interesting qualities, often to imply insignificance or lack of importance. Can have a mildly negative connotation.

• After losing his job, he felt like a nonentity in his social circle.
• The character in the book is such a nonentity that you quickly forget about him.

To describe the state or condition of being nothing or devoid of meaning. Often used in a more abstract or existential context.

• He stared into the vast expanse of space, pondering the nothingness of the universe.
• Meditating on the idea of nothingness can be both peaceful and unsettling.

To describe an empty space or a feeling of emptiness, both physically and emotionally. It can also be used metaphorically in various contexts.

• The departure of her friend left a void in her heart.
• The void between the stars seemed infinite and overwhelming.

Typically used within philosophical or literary discussions to express the concept of nothingness or the rejection of all religious and moral principles, often in the belief that life is meaningless.

• The philosopher's argument leaned heavily on the concept of nihil.
• Their outlook on life began to embrace nihil, abandoning previous beliefs and values.