nonentity

American  

[non-en-ti-tee] / nɒnˈɛn tɪ ti /

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.

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nonentity British  

/ ˌnɒnˈɛntɪtɪ /

noun

1. an insignificant person or thing

2. a nonexistent thing

3. the state of not existing; nonexistence

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Etymology

Origin of nonentity

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

In the primary’s final days, New Hampshire Democrats who are supporting Mr. Biden engaged in a bit of self-congratulation while dismissing Mr. Phillips as a nonentity.

From New York Times

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

From New York Times

Willy’s humiliating status as a nonentity — as well as his ultimate fate — are both thereby sealed.

From Washington Post

He never questioned it before because Dad always said the old man had been a “nonentity” since before Dad was actually born.

From Literature

Related Words

• cipher