nugatory

[ noo-guh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, nyoo- ]

adjective

1. of no real value; trifling; worthless.

   Synonyms: frivolous, insignificant, trivial

2. of no force or effect; ineffective; futile; vain.

   Synonyms: inoperative, useless

3. not valid.

nugatory

/ ˈnjuːɡətərɪ; -trɪ /

adjective

1. of little value; trifling
2. not valid

   a nugatory law

Word History and Origins

Origin of nugatory¹

1595–1605; < Latin nūgātōrius worthless, useless, trifling, equivalent to nūgā(rī ) to trifle + -tōrius -tory ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of nugatory¹

C17: from Latin nūgātōrius, from nūgārī to jest, from nūgae trifles

Example Sentences

With the second statement now also looking nugatory, you have to wonder if Elliott is the force behind these moves, as it appears to be, and if so, what changes might be next on its agenda.

From Fortune

Instead of abrogating the treaties, they aimed, by evasions and restrictions, to render nugatory many of their stipulations.

From Project Gutenberg

We, of course, know that by Gneisenau's move this apparent success was rendered nugatory.

From Project Gutenberg

The rest had reckoned with so much certainty upon him that his unexpected defection rendered the whole meeting nugatory.

From Project Gutenberg

I strove to give a slower motion to my thoughts, and to regulate a confusion which became painful; but my efforts were nugatory.

From Project Gutenberg

Two pounds and two pounds will make four pounds whatever a pound may be; but till I know what it is, the result is nugatory.

From Project Gutenberg