# nil

/ˈnɪɫ/ (US) · /nˈɪl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nil
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

the number zero. You mostly hear this in sports scores or when talking about having nothing left.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The score was zero-zero" but "The score was nil-nil" — In British English sports contexts, 'nil' is the standard term for a zero score, whereas 'zero' sounds unnatural.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in sports scores (e.g., 'two-nil') and in the phrase 'virtually nil' to mean 'almost zero'.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.