nullity

[ nuhl-i-tee ]

noun

, plural nul·li·ties

1. the state or quality of being null; nothingness; invalidity.
2. something null.
3. something of no legal force or validity.
4. a person of negligible importance.

nullity

/ ˈnʌlɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state of being null
2. a null or legally invalid act or instrument
3. something null, ineffective, characterless, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of nullity¹

From the Medieval Latin word nūllitās, dating back to 1560–70. See null, -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of nullity¹

C16: from Medieval Latin nullitās, from Latin nullus no, not any

Example Sentences

Or, to put it differently: If this program was not systematic, then no purge ever is, and the federal ban has been rendered a nullity.

From Slate

In the process of conversion, however, she’s reduced to a nullity with a grating personal manner.

From Seattle Times

Adopting this line would drastically narrow the reach of Section 3 of the amendment, leaving it close to a constitutional nullity.

From Los Angeles Times

Under Republican presidential administrations, meanwhile, the Voting Rights Act would become an aspirational nullity if private actors were not allowed to seek remedies in court.

From Slate

Jefferson was right about the nullity of impeachment as it relates to the Supreme Court.

From Seattle Times