nonentity

[non-en-ti-tee]

noun

plural

nonentities 

1. a person or thing of no importance.

   Synonyms: nullity, zero, mediocrity, cipher, nobody

2. something that does not exist or exists only in imagination.

3. nonexistence.

nonentity

/ ˌnɒnˈɛntɪtɪ /

noun

1. an insignificant person or thing

2. a nonexistent thing

3. the state of not existing; nonexistence

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonentity¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; non- + entity

Example Sentences

The follow-up on the red carpet was just as much of a nonentity, asking Garner what fans should know about the Silver Surfer.

From Salon

“California gets caught in Super Tuesday and we become nothing — a nonentity,” says political analyst Tony Quinn.

From Los Angeles Times

He recently criticized Putin as a “nonentity” and a “cowardly mediocrity.”

From Washington Times

Overseas, the U.S. government treated Mr. Joseph like a nonentity.

From New York Times

Putin allies have cast the ICC, which countries including Russia, China and the United States do not recognise, as a "legal nonentity" that had never done anything significant.

From Reuters

Related Words

• cipher