Nonsensical: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿคช
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nonsensical

 

[ nษ’nหˆsษ›nsษชk(ษ™)l ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

in a conversation

Having no meaning; making no sense. Illogical or absurd.

Synonyms

absurd, illogical, incomprehensible, senseless.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nonsensical

When describing something that makes no sense at all, particularly in a silly or ridiculous way.

  • The plot of the movie was completely nonsensical
absurd

For situations or statements that are ludicrous, bizarre, or defy logic; often used in humorous contexts, but can also imply criticism.

  • It's absurd to think that we can finish this project in one day
illogical

To describe something that does not follow the rules of logic or reason, more often used in formal or analytical discussions.

  • His argument was illogical and failed to convince anyone
incomprehensible

When something is too difficult to understand or grasp, often used to describe language, speech or explanations.

  • The instructions were so poorly written that they were incomprehensible
senseless

Used to describe actions or ideas that lack purpose or reason; often carries a negative connotation, especially in contexts of harm or waste.

  • The senseless violence between the two groups must be stopped

Examples of usage

  • The speaker's nonsensical ramblings left the audience confused.
  • The proposal was dismissed as nonsensical by the board members.
Context #2 | Adjective

in a situation

Contrary to reason; irrational. Lacking any coherent or logical basis.

Synonyms

absurd, illogical, irrational, unreasonable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nonsensical

Used to describe something that makes no sense at all, often in a trivial or silly manner.

  • The instructions were so nonsensical that no one could understand them.
  • His story was pure nonsensical fantasy.
irrational

Used to describe behavior, thoughts, or feelings that are not based on reason, often implying a lack of sound judgment.

  • His fear of spiders is completely irrational.
  • Making an irrational decision in a moment of anger can have lasting consequences.
illogical

Used to describe something that goes against logical reasoning or does not follow a logical sequence.

  • Her argument was illogical and didn't convince anyone.
  • It's illogical to expect results without putting in any effort.
absurd

Used to describe situations, ideas, or actions that are extremely unreasonable, often to the point of being laughable or ridiculous.

  • The idea of living on Mars sounds absurd at the moment.
  • It's absurd to think that a cat can write a book.
unreasonable

Used to describe demands, expectations, or actions that are not fair or sensible.

  • Asking for such a high price is unreasonable.
  • Itโ€™s unreasonable to expect employees to work overtime without extra pay.

Examples of usage

  • The decision to go ahead with the project seemed nonsensical given the current circumstances.
  • His behavior was so nonsensical that no one could understand his motives.

Translations

Translations of the word "nonsensical" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น nonsense

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเฅ‡เคคเฅเค•เคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช unsinnig

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tidak masuk akal

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑะตะทะณะปัƒะทะดะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ bezsensowny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒŠใƒณใ‚ปใƒณใ‚น

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท absurde

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ sin sentido

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท saรงma

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ง๋„ ์•ˆ ๋˜๋Š”

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู„ุง ู…ุนู†ู‰ ู„ู‡

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nesmyslnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ nezmyselnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่’่ฐฌ็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ nesmiseln

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ fรกrรกnlegur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผะฐา“ั‹ะฝะฐัั‹ะท

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฃแƒแƒ–แƒ แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mษ™ntiqsiz

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ sin sentido

Etymology

The word 'nonsensical' originated in the early 19th century, derived from the combination of 'non-' and 'sensical', with 'sensical' meaning 'having sense'. It has been used to describe things that lack meaning or coherence, often in a humorous or critical context.

See also: desensitized, hypersensitivity, insensibility, insensible, insensitive, nonsense, nonsensically, sensation, sensational, sensations, sense, senseless, senselessly, sensibility, sensible, sensibly, sensitive, sensitivity, sensor, sensory, sensual, sensuous.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,773, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.