nothingness

[ nuhth-ing-nis ]

noun

1. the state of being nothing.
2. something that is nonexistent:

   a view of humanity as suspended between infinity and nothingness.

3. lack of being; nonexistence:

   The sound faded into nothingness.

4. unconsciousness or death:

   She remembered a dizzy feeling, then nothingness.

5. utter insignificance, emptiness, or worthlessness; triviality:

   The days followed one another in an endless procession of nothingness.

6. something insignificant or without value.

nothingness

/ ˈnʌθɪŋnɪs /

noun

1. the state or condition of being nothing; nonexistence
2. absence of consciousness or life
3. complete insignificance or worthlessness
4. something that is worthless or insignificant

Word History and Origins

Origin of nothingness¹

First recorded in 1625–35; nothing + -ness

Example Sentences

He has a line in the middle of the play that reads, “In an instant, all will vanish and we’ll be alone once more in the midst of nothingness.”

From Los Angeles Times

Winning makes you confront the nothingness at the end of it all.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s not because she’s afraid of the hell or nothingness that awaits her.

From Salon

“Turandot” is an opera of riddles, riddled with the Tao of nothingness and strong sexual attraction that lacks communication.

From Los Angeles Times

"Yes, they’re sailing off into nothingness. But to me, there's still hope."

From Salon