Word
nonexistent
Phoneticsnonex·is·tent
US/ˌnɑnəɡˈzɪstənt/
UK/nˌɒnɛɡzˈɪstənt/
Definition
adj. not real or not present at all. You use this to describe something that does not exist in a certain place or situation.
adj. not existing or not present in a particular place or context. Often used to describe abstract qualities or physical objects that are completely absent.
Examples
“The security at the old building is almost nonexistent.”
“The company promised high salaries, but the actual benefits for new employees were nonexistent.”
“While the author claims the book is based on historical facts, any evidence for these events is nonexistent in the official records of the era.”
Examples
simple
“The security at the old building is almost nonexistent.”
contextual
“The company promised high salaries, but the actual benefits for new employees were nonexistent.”
complex
“While the author claims the book is based on historical facts, any evidence for these events is nonexistent in the official records of the era.”
Usage
Typically used predicatively after a linking verb like 'be' or 'become', but can also appear attributively before a noun.
Pitfall
The problem is none-existent.
The problem is nonexistent.
Learners sometimes add a hyphen or misspell the prefix; 'nonexistent' is the standard spelling in modern English.
Real-World Examples
“The police are investigating how about 3,000 nonexistent residents were added to official data for Toyama.” “The adults are practically nonexistent, bar the odd cameo from a parent and Stephen Fry, whose voice appears as the headteacher speaking over the Tannoy.” “They were quickly silenced as the Argentina international’s first-time pass found Gakpo, who stepped inside a nonexistent challenge from Archie Gray and beat Dubravka with an angled drive.” Etymology
From non- + existent.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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