Nothingness: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is generally used in philosophical or existential discussions to describe a state where nothing exists or has meaning. It implies a profound lack of substance or reality.

• The meditation practice focuses on the concept of nothingness to achieve mindfulness.
• Staring into the night sky, he felt a sense of nothingness.

Typically used in a more formal or scientific context, this word describes the state of not existing, either in reality or conceptually.

• The scientist argued the nonexistence of the phenomena they were studying.
• The debate centered around the nonexistence of extraterrestrial life.

This word can be used to describe both a literal and metaphorical emptiness. It suggests not just emptiness but an abyss or chasm, often with an emotional or dramatic connotation.

• Gazing into the void, he felt an overwhelming sense of despair.
• The contract was declared null and void.

Often used to describe a physical or emotional state, it conveys a sense of being vacant, lacking content, or emotionally unfulfilled.

• After the children left for college, the house was filled with emptiness.
• He couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness after his breakup.

This word is often used to describe a state of non-existence or a void. It can also be used philosophically or existentially to express the absence of anything.

• He stared into the nothingness, lost in thought.
• After the explosion, there was nothing but nothingness where the building once stood.

This word is typically used to describe something that lacks importance or relevance. It can be used to make someone or something seem small or unimportant.

• In the grand scheme of things, our problems seem to pale into insignificance.
• She felt a sense of insignificance standing next to the towering monument.

This word is generally used to depict a lack of purpose, significance, or meaning. It often conveys a neutral or negative feeling, especially in discussions about life or actions.

• The repetitiveness of his job added to his feeling of meaninglessness.
• They struggled against what they saw as the meaninglessness of their daily routines.

This word has a strongly negative connotation and is used to describe someone or something that has no value or worth. It can refer to objects, actions, or even people and their feelings.

• He was consumed by feelings of worthlessness after losing his job.
• The broken chair was seen as a piece of junk, a symbol of worthlessness.