nonexistence

[ non-ig-zis-tuhns ]

noun

1. absence of existence.
2. a thing that has no existence.

Other Words From

• nonex·istent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonexistence¹

First recorded in 1640–50; non- + existence

Example Sentences

“It’s impossible to prove that you can’t break it—the nonexistence of a mathematical algorithm is hard to impossible to prove,” says cryptographer Thomas Decru.

From MIT Technology Review

Everything had to always be as it is, Parmenides reasoned, because nothing could come to be out of nothing — nonexistence could not produce existence, because there is no such thing as nonexistence, by definition of existence.

From Science News

However, directly proving its nonexistence was too difficult.

From Quanta Magazine

Attempting to prove the nonexistence of God can be entertaining.

From The Daily Beast

Betwixt unity and number there can be no medium; no more than betwixt existence and nonexistence.

From Project Gutenberg

A medical examination in 1883 revealed the nonexistence of piles and the presence of hernia.

From Project Gutenberg

Another difficulty is the question of the existence or nonexistence of the western towers.

From Project Gutenberg

The world has too long been imposed upon by ridiculous attempts to vilify atheists, and show their nonexistence.

From Project Gutenberg

That the happiness of the saints, during the intermediate term, is no other than a sleep without dreams—a temporary nonexistence!

From Project Gutenberg