nominal damages
Americanplural noun
Etymology
Origin of nominal damages
First recorded in 1790–1800
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Tesla CEO was awarded $1 in nominal damages on Friday, in addition to the reinstatement of his package.
From MarketWatch ● Dec. 19, 2025
The arbitrator determined that Kobe Inc. “has proven breach but not actual damages” and awarded nominal damages of $1 for each of the three claims.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 28, 2023
Nazario was awarded $1 in nominal damages “in order to vindicate his rights under the U.S. Constitution,” the judge wrote.
From Seattle Times ● May 4, 2023
It also seeks compensatory damages, nominal damages, and attorney's fees.
From Fox News ● Dec. 24, 2021
If the student cannot prove that the failure to hold a hearing itself caused him some compensable harm, then the student is entitled to no more than nominal damages, such as $1.00.
From What Works: Schools Without Drugs by Education, United States Department of
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
