Word Noun
nil
n.
uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈnɪɫ/ UK /nˈɪl/ nil UK spelling Nils
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.”
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-zeroThe score was nil-nil
In British English sports contexts, 'nil' is the standard term for a zero score, whereas 'zero' sounds unnatural.
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated