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Synonyms

nothingness

American  
[nuhth-ing-nis] / ˈnʌθ ɪŋ nɪs /

noun

  1. the state of being nothing.

  2. something that is nonexistent.

    a view of humanity as suspended between infinity and nothingness.

  3. lack of being; nonexistence.

    The sound faded into nothingness.

  4. unconsciousness or death.

    She remembered a dizzy feeling, then nothingness.

  5. utter insignificance, emptiness, or worthlessness; triviality.

    The days followed one another in an endless procession of nothingness.

  6. something insignificant or without value.


nothingness British  
/ ˈnʌθɪŋnɪs /

noun

  1. the state or condition of being nothing; nonexistence

  2. absence of consciousness or life

  3. complete insignificance or worthlessness

  4. something that is worthless or insignificant

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of nothingness

First recorded in 1625–35; nothing + -ness

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.

Hanna’s grief for Erik is the key to her art, but so is the nothingness he seems to have disappeared into.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

The moon, appearing about the size of a bowling ball at arm’s length to the crew, hung in the nothingness.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Just a carefully curated exercise in nothingness, presented as importance.

From Salon • Jan. 31, 2026

Mr Hampshire said in his witness statement that there was "nothing to hide" in the exchanges between Andrew and Xi – and they were full of "top-level nothingness", such as birthday wishes.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2025

There was a noise of rustling nothingness in the station.

From "The Cricket in Times Square" by George Selden

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