Word
nil
US/ˈnɪɫ/
UK/nˈɪl/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the number zero. You mostly hear this in sports scores or when talking about having nothing left.
n. the quantity or value of zero. Frequently used in British English sports reporting and in formal contexts to indicate a total absence of something.
Examples
“The final score of the match was three-nil.”
“The chances of the project succeeding without further funding are practically nil.”
“Despite the high expectations surrounding the new policy, its actual impact on the local economy has been virtually nil over the first fiscal quarter.”
Examples
simple
“The final score of the match was three-nil.”
contextual
“The chances of the project succeeding without further funding are practically nil.”
complex
“Despite the high expectations surrounding the new policy, its actual impact on the local economy has been virtually nil over the first fiscal quarter.”
Usage
Commonly used in sports scores (e.g., 'two-nil') and in the phrase 'virtually nil' to mean 'almost zero'.
Pitfall
The score was zero-zero
The score was nil-nil
In British English sports contexts, 'nil' is the standard term for a zero score, whereas 'zero' sounds unnatural.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/nil