null

American  

[nuhl] / nʌl /

adjective

1. without value, effect, consequence, or significance.

2. being or amounting to nothing; nil; lacking; nonexistent.

3. Mathematics. (of a set)

   1. empty.

   2. of measure zero.

4. being or amounting to zero.

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noun

1. Electronics. a point of minimum signal reception, as on a radio direction finder or other electronic meter.

verb (used with object)

1. to cancel; make null.

idioms

1. null and void, without legal force or effect; not valid.

   This contract is null and void.

null British  

/ nʌl /

adjective

1. without legal force; invalid; (esp in the phrase null and void )

2. without value or consequence; useless

3. lacking distinction; characterless

   a null expression

4. nonexistent; amounting to nothing

5. maths

   1. quantitatively zero

   2. relating to zero

   3. (of a set) having no members

   4. (of a sequence) having zero as a limit

6. physics involving measurement in which an instrument has a zero reading, as with a Wheatstone bridge

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null Scientific  

/ nŭl /

1. Of or relating to a set having no members or to zero magnitude.

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Etymology

Origin of null

1555–65; < Latin nūllus, equivalent to n ( e ) not + ūllus any

Example Sentences

Prasad said the agency would no longer rely on certain study results to approve vaccines for pregnant women, saying “prior promises will be null and void.”

From The Wall Street Journal

“That would be the cleanest way of addressing this particular scenario we’re in right now, because all of these new plans that have been drawn would become null and void,” McGhee said.

From Los Angeles Times

“Therefore, any changes made without you agreeing to them are null and void.”

From MarketWatch

“These proceedings against the defendant were instituted unlawfully and are null,” Goldspring said, releasing Ó hAnnaidh to raucous cheers from Kneecap supporters — including the rapper’s parents — in the courtroom.

From Los Angeles Times

He has urged his supporters to null their vote.

From BBC

Related Words

• ineffective
• inoperative
• invalid
• unreal
• worthless