English Reference

Word

nonetheless

Phoneticsnone·the·less, stress on the third syllable

US/ˌnənðəˈɫɛs/

UK/nˌʌnðəlˈɛs/

Sentence adverb

Definition

adv. despite what was just said. You use it to show that something is still true even if there is a problem or a different fact.

adv. in spite of what has just been mentioned; nevertheless. Functions as a conjunctive adverb to introduce a contrastive point.

Examples

“The hike was exhausting, but we enjoyed it nonetheless.”

“The evidence was purely circumstantial; nonetheless, the jury found the defendant guilty of the crime.”

“While the initial experiments failed to yield the expected results, the data gathered was nonetheless invaluable for refining the subsequent research methodology.”

Examples

simple

“The hike was exhausting, but we enjoyed it nonetheless.”

contextual

“The evidence was purely circumstantial; nonetheless, the jury found the defendant guilty of the crime.”

complex

“While the initial experiments failed to yield the expected results, the data gathered was nonetheless invaluable for refining the subsequent research methodology.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “nonetheless” in context.

Verb

01. nonetheless provide

“While the report was brief, it did nonetheless provide the necessary data for our decision.”

adv + verb

02. nonetheless remain

“The risks are high; however, the potential rewards nonetheless remain attractive to investors.”

adv + verb

Usage

Typically used as a transition between two independent clauses or at the end of a sentence to provide contrast.

Pitfall

He was tired, nonetheless he finished.

He was tired; nonetheless, he finished.

When used to connect two independent clauses, it requires a semicolon or a full stop before it, not just a comma.

Real-World Examples

“But in rearing their head one after another, these events have nonetheless spurred fears about AI's capabilities and where these are headed as developers forge ahead.”
BBC News 6 Aug 2026
“Nonetheless, the revenue increased by only 2 percent in the third quarter, highlighting the challenging economic environment as banks and law firms continue to reduce staff and limit expenditures.”
Reuters 29 Oct 2013
“Nonetheless, the merger might still receive the green light if the investigation reveals that competition would persist within the market post-merger.”
Reuters 9 Aug 2007
“Nonetheless, campaigners believe there is enough evidence to show that regulation is urgently needed.”
BBC News 22 Jul 2026

Etymology

From Middle English *non-the-les, variant of no-the-les, noþeles, naþelees, from Old English nān þȳ lǣs, nā þē lǣs, nā þȳ lǣs. By surface analysis, none + the + less.

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

Word family

ADVERB

nonetheless(C1)

ARTICLE

This entry

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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Common
Level
C1 · AdvancedOxford
Updated

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English Reference