Nonexistent: meaning, definitions and examples

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nonexistent

 

[ ˌnɒnɪɡˈzɪstənt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

absence, existence

The term 'nonexistent' refers to something that does not exist or cannot be found. It is often used to describe an entity, idea, or object that is imagined but lacks real presence or tangible form. Additionally, it can imply that something was expected to exist but, in reality, does not. For instance, one might refer to a nonexistent solution in a problem-solving context.

Synonyms

absent, fictitious, imaginary, unreal, virtual

Examples of usage

  • The product they advertised turned out to be nonexistent.
  • His claims about facts were proven to be nonexistent.
  • In the debate, the topic brought up was entirely nonexistent.
  • Many thought the myth was based on a nonexistent creature.

Translations

Translations of the word "nonexistent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inexistente

🇮🇳 अवास्तविक

🇩🇪 nicht existent

🇮🇩 tidak ada

🇺🇦 неіснуючий

🇵🇱 nieistniejący

🇯🇵 存在しない

🇫🇷 inexistant

🇪🇸 inexistente

🇹🇷 mevcut olmayan

🇰🇷 존재하지 않는

🇸🇦 غير موجود

🇨🇿 neexistující

🇸🇰 neexistujúci

🇨🇳 不存在

🇸🇮 neobstoječ

🇮🇸 ekki til

🇰🇿 болмау

🇬🇪 არ არსებობა

🇦🇿 mövcud olmayan

🇲🇽 inexistente

Etymology

The word 'nonexistent' combines the prefix 'non-', meaning 'not', with the term 'existent', which comes from the Latin 'existere', meaning 'to stand out' or 'to come into being'. Its use emerged in the English language during the early 19th century as a means to indicate the absence of something that was expected or believed to be present. The prefix 'non-' effectively negates the root word, creating a term that emphasizes the lack of existence. Over time, 'nonexistent' has found its place in both everyday language and formal discourse, highlighting the importance of clarity in discussions about presence, reality, and expectation.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,468, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.