What does nonsense mean?
Nonsense is an English word for language, ideas, or behavior that lack meaning, contradict reason, or seem deliberately absurd. As a noun, it can describe an unintelligible utterance, an unreasonable argument, or foolish activity in general. It is also used as an adjective before a noun, as in a nonsense proposal, and as a verb meaning to speak or write something meaningless. The word often expresses the speaker's conviction that a claim is false, irrational, or unworthy of attention, but it can sound more playful or insulting depending on context and tone. Nonsense has a broad, flexible range: it may describe childish wordplay, an absurd literary work, an invalid argument, or a plainly ridiculous idea. Its directness makes it useful in conversation, criticism, and formal commentary, while its strong dismissive connotation means it is sometimes better suited to informal or emphatic speech than to neutral description.
Language, ideas, or behavior that are meaningless, absurd, or contrary to reason.
"The witness's account was dismissed as nonsense."
The word is common in both formal and informal registers. It may suggest that something is not merely wrong but wholly without logic or meaning.
To speak or write something meaningless, irrational, or absurd.
"He continued to nonsense for several minutes without making a clear point."
This use is informal and is less common than the noun.
Meaningless, absurd, or contrary to reason.
"The proposal was rejected as a nonsense idea."
This use usually occurs before a noun and carries a dismissive or strongly critical tone.
Rare; nonsense is normally used as an uncountable noun, though plural forms occur in specialized or literary contexts.
"The scholar discussed several playful nonsenses in medieval literature."
The word nonsense literally names the condition of being absurd: it was formed in the late 16th century by joining absurd with the suffix -ness.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nonsense come from?
Nonsense appeared in the late 16th century, formed from the adjective absurd and the suffix -ness. The underlying word absurd comes from Latin absurdus, originally associated with sounds that did not match or harmonize and later with things that are unreasonable or ridiculous. Modern derivatives such as absurdity and absurdly continue the same Latin root and semantic tradition.
Related word forms
How nonsense is actually used
Nonsense is informal to mildly formal in general use and often conveys disbelief, dismissal, or irritation. The exclamation form is especially common in speech. As an adjective before a noun, it usually has a dismissive tone.
Easily confused with nonsense
Nonsense is a noun referring to meaningless or absurd language or ideas, whereas nonsensical is an adjective describing something that is meaningless or absurd.