What does nonphysical mean?
Nonphysical means that something is not made of physical matter or does not exist as a tangible object. The word is especially common in philosophy and religion when contrasting immaterial realities—such as ideas, spirits, or abstract principles—with the physical world. In scientific and technological contexts, it can describe entities, systems, or information that are conceptual or digital rather than material. For example, a virtual location is nonphysical in the sense that it has no directly observable physical presence, even though devices and infrastructure support the experience. The term is also used figuratively for memories, relationships, and other things that lack a material form. Because nonphysical is a broad negative adjective, it should not automatically be treated as a synonym for supernatural, mystical, or metaphysical; its central meaning is simply the absence of a physical or material existence.
adjectiveNot physical or material; existing outside physical matter or bodily reality. It may also describe information or activity that has no directly tangible form.
- Not consisting of physical matter; immaterial or incorporeal.
- Not involving the body or tangible physical action.
- Represented in a digital or other nonmaterial medium rather than as a physical object.
"The novel imagines a world in which memory can be visited as a nonphysical landscape."
"The exhibition explores the relationship between physical landscapes and the nonphysical memories people attach to them."
"Cybersecurity specialists use a nonphysical form of authentication to confirm the identity of a remote user."
From invisible thoughts to digital files, much of modern life is nonphysical—yet proving that something is not there can be surprisingly difficult.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nonphysical come from?
The word was formed in English by combining the Latin-derived prefix non-, meaning “not,” with physical, meaning “of or relating to natural material things.” Physical itself comes through Medieval Latin from Greek physikos, associated with physis, “nature.” The non- formation became especially useful in philosophical, scientific, and later technological writing to distinguish abstract or digital phenomena from material ones.
Related word forms
How nonphysical is actually used
The adjective is common in philosophical, spiritual, scientific, and computing contexts. It is broader and less committal than metaphysical and should not be used merely to mean strange or unnatural.
Easily confused with nonphysical
Unphysical usually characterizes something that is contrary to natural physical laws or awkwardly ill-fitting, whereas nonphysical more directly means not physical or not material.
Nonphysical is a broad negative term, while metaphysical specifically concerns philosophical questions about existence, reality, and the relationship between mind and matter.