Word
nonsensical
Phoneticsnon·sen·si·cal, stress on the second syllable
US/nɑnˈsɛnsɪkəɫ/
UK/nˌɒnsˈɛnzɪkəl/
Definition
adj. having no meaning or sense. You use this to describe something that is so strange or illogical that it is hard to understand.
adj. lacking a logical or meaningful structure; absurd or meaningless. Often used to describe arguments, statements, or behaviors that defy reason.
Examples
“The instructions were so nonsensical that I couldn't follow them.”
“The politician's latest speech was filled with nonsensical claims that made no sense to the audience.”
“The critic argued that the film's plot was a series of nonsensical events that failed to connect with any coherent theme or narrative arc.”
Examples
simple
“The instructions were so nonsensical that I couldn't follow them.”
contextual
“The politician's latest speech was filled with nonsensical claims that made no sense to the audience.”
complex
“The critic argued that the film's plot was a series of nonsensical events that failed to connect with any coherent theme or narrative arc.”
Real-World Examples
“He’s hosting a TV baking gameshow that uses no ovens, so it’s completely nonsensical.” “It’s not like I care for the nonsensical storyline, or the dubstep editing, or the ham acting.” Etymology
From nonsense + -ical.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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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QR code
englishreference.com/q/nonsensical