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

Explanation

The noun nonentity refers to a person of no significance or importance. If you are a member of a sports team, but spend all your time sitting on the bench watching the rest of the team play, you will probably feel like a nonentity. Something that is an entity exists, and if you are considered a nonentity, you might as well not exist. A political nonentity has no power, and a social nonentity blends in with the wallpaper. Not only people are considered nonentities; groups or things can be nonentities too. If a nonentity beats a nationally ranked team, that's a real upset. The cereal brand that stays on the shelf and is ignored can also be considered a nonentity in the cereal market.

Example Sentences

Shawn is played by out actor Rafael L. Silva, but the character’s sexuality is only noted in passing, and his relationship with his boyfriend is a nonentity.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2025

A few days ago he called the Kremlin leader "a nonentity" and "a cowardly waste of space", says BBC Russia editor Steve Rosenberg.

From BBC • Jul. 21, 2023

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

From New York Times • Apr. 5, 2023

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

From Washington Post • Oct. 9, 2022

Since I had applied for such a nonentity of a job, Quackenbush, who had known as little about me as I had about him, knew now.

From "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles

Related Words

• cipher