nil

¹

[ nil ]

noun

1. nothing; naught; zero.

adjective

1. having no value or existence:

   His credit rating is nil.

NIL

²

abbreviation for

1. name, image, likeness: aspects of a collegiate athlete’s identity for which they may earn money from a third party, as for advertising sponsorship or merchandise sales, although they are prohibited from being paid directly by colleges and universities for their participation in intercollegiate sports:

   Student-athletes should report NIL activities consistent with state law or school and conference requirements to their school.

   The NCAA decision about NIL has forever changed college football, allowing players to make money for the first time.

nil

/ nɪl /

noun

1. another word for nothing: used esp in the scoring of certain games

Word History and Origins

Origin of nil¹

First recorded in 1805–15; from Latin nīl, variant of nīlum, contraction of nihilum “nothing,” equivalent to ne- “not” + hīlum “trifle”

Origin of nil²

First recorded in 2021; by abbreviation

Word History and Origins

Origin of nil¹

C19: from Latin

Example Sentences

But as USC prepares to take on Maryland, one of the Big Ten’s worst pass defenses, the chanceof Lincoln Riley replacing his quarterback apparently is nil.

From Los Angeles Times

“The risk of getting infected from milk that has viral fragments in it should be nil,” he said.

From New York Times

Former Wales captain Sam Warburton said: "Wales have to win. I know we're talking about progress, but that would be bad to be nil from five."

From BBC

Despite their side being five nil down, the Livi Ultras are just as loud and proud as they were in the first half.

From BBC

PJ: What I wouldn't give for a boring uneventful 2 nil win for United.

From BBC