nontarget

American  

[non-tahr-git] / nɒnˈtɑr gɪt /

adjective

1. not being the subject or goal of a particular action, program, maneuver, or the like; not designated for use, observation, attack, etc.

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Other Word Forms

• nontargetable
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of nontarget

First recorded in 1940–45; non- + target

Example Sentences

Pesticides may harm nontarget species, like butterflies and moths.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 10, 2026

In the world of bug control, there’s a term for accidental victims: nontarget insects.

From New York Times • Jun. 3, 2024

While increasing drug concentration can help make sure enough molecules are binding to the correct sites to have a therapeutic effect, it also increases binding to nontarget sites and the risk of side effects.

From Salon • Jun. 19, 2022

But my life as a generic nontarget, a recipient of ads for Amazon influencers, corny T-shirts and trashy iPhone games, was short lived.

From The Guardian • Jan. 31, 2020

Department of Agriculture reported “no deleterious effects on plants, nontarget organisms, or the environment” in field trials.

From Slate • Jul. 14, 2015