nugatory

adjective nu·ga·to·ry \ ˈnü-gə-ˌtȯr-ē , ˈnyü- \

Definition of nugatory

1 : of little or no consequence : trifling, inconsequential

comments too nugatory to merit attention

2 : having no force : inoperative

The law was unenforced and thus rendered nugatory.

nugatory was our Word of the Day on 03/04/2017. Hear the podcast!

Examples of nugatory in a Sentence

the congressional resolution has symbolic value only, as it relates to a matter governed by the states and is thus nugatory
the book is entertaining, but its contributions to Shakespearean scholarship are nugatory

Did You Know?

Nugatory, which first appeared in English in the 17th century, comes from the Latin adjective nugatorius and is ultimately a derivative of the noun nugae, meaning "trifles." Like its synonyms "vain," "idle," "empty," and "hollow," nugatory means "without worth or significance." But while "nugatory" suggests triviality or insignificance ("a monarch with nugatory powers," for example), "vain" implies either absolute or relative absence of value (as in "vain promises"). "Idle" suggests being incapable of worthwhile use or effect (as in "idle speculations"). "Empty" and "hollow" suggest a deceiving lack of real substance or genuineness (as in "an empty attempt at reconciliation" or "a hollow victory").