non-

American  

1. a prefix meaning “not,” freely used as an English formative, usually with a simple negative force as implying mere negation or absence of something (rather than the opposite or reverse of it, as often expressed byun- ): nonadherence; noninterference; nonpayment; nonprofessional .

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non- British  

prefix

1. indicating negation

   nonexistent

2. indicating refusal or failure

   noncooperation

3. indicating exclusion from a specified class of persons or things

   nonfiction

4. indicating lack or absence, esp of a quality associated with what is specified

   nonobjective

   nonevent

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Etymology

Origin of non-

A prefix representing the Latin adverb nōn “not”

Example Sentences

It will focus on fire risk, especially in buildings under renovation where bamboo or wooden scaffolding, as well as non‑flame‑retardant safety nets are in use.

From The Wall Street Journal

For urgent, non life-threatening issues the advice is to use the NHS 111 website or to call the helpline.

From BBC

Ignorantia juris non excusat, or ‘Ignorance of the law,’ is not a legal defense in the U.S. military.

From Salon

While the second sentence of this quote is generally true, the first sentence is a non sequitur.

From Slate

Oxfordshire County Council will expand its enhanced pathways provision into 40 state schools, providing a dedicate space and additional resource to support more young people with special needs, including non verbal children, in a mainstream setting.

From BBC