nonentity

[ non-en-ti-tee ]

noun

, plural non·en·ti·ties.

1. a person or thing of no importance.

   Synonyms: nullity, zero, mediocrity, cipher, nobody

2. something that does not exist or exists only in imagination.
3. nonexistence.

nonentity

/ ˌnɒnˈɛntɪtɪ /

noun

1. an insignificant person or thing
2. a nonexistent thing
3. the state of not existing; nonexistence

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonentity¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; non- + entity

Example Sentences

“California gets caught in Super Tuesday and we become nothing — a nonentity,” says political analyst Tony Quinn.

From Los Angeles Times

He recently criticized Putin as a “nonentity” and a “cowardly mediocrity.”

From Washington Times

Overseas, the U.S. government treated Mr. Joseph like a nonentity.

From New York Times

Putin allies have cast the ICC, which countries including Russia, China and the United States do not recognise, as a "legal nonentity" that had never done anything significant.

From Reuters

Former President Dmitry Medvedev told Russian media that the ICC, which countries including Russia, China and the United States do not recognise, was a "legal nonentity" that had never done anything significant.

From Reuters

Related Words

• cipher