English Reference
Adverb

nevertheless

adv. sent.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US /ˌnɛvɝðəˈɫɛs/ UK /nˌɛvəðəlˈɛs/ nev·er·the·less

adv.in spite of what has just been said. You use it to show that something is true even though there is a reason why it might not be.

adv.in spite of that; notwithstanding. Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or qualifies a preceding point.


SIMPLE

The hike was difficult; nevertheless, we reached the top.

CONTEXTUAL

The data was incomplete; nevertheless, the researchers decided to publish their preliminary findings to spark further discussion.

COMPLEX

The economic forecast remains bleak for the coming quarter; nevertheless, consumer confidence has shown a surprising resilience that suggests a faster recovery than initially anticipated.

Usage

Sentence adverb — typically used as a conjunctive adverb to connect two independent clauses, often following a semicolon or starting a new sentence.

Pitfall
He was tired nevertheless he finished.He was tired; nevertheless, he finished.

When connecting two independent clauses, 'nevertheless' requires a semicolon or a full stop before it, not just a comma.

Nevertheless, he had a self-discipline that saw the pitfalls of alcohol: “Certainly it prevented my dad, Alec Milburn, from making the big time,” Jackie recalled.

The Guardian· 7 Aug 2026

But nevertheless, Berkowski’s photography cemented a new era of eclipse fascination.

Smithsonian Magazine· 28 Jul 2026

Common in culture writing


From Middle English nevertheles, never-þe-les, nevere-þe-lesse. By surface analysis, never (“not at all”) + the + less; compare never the wiser.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English nevertheles
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated