What does nullity mean?
Nullity is a formal word for the condition of being null, meaning empty, ineffective, or without legal force. Its most familiar use is in law, where a nullity is an agreement, proceeding, status, or other legal arrangement that is void because it lacks the necessary authority, formalities, or other legal requirements. A legal nullity is generally treated as having no valid legal effect rather than as merely something that can later be broken or undone. The word can also describe a quality of ineffectiveness or meaninglessness in broader, more abstract contexts, although this use is uncommon. Related expressions include “plea in nullity,” a legal action seeking to have a marriage or other status declared invalid, and “absolute nullity,” referring to an act that is void regardless of any particular circumstances. The word is especially useful when precision matters because it distinguishes legal or formal ineffectiveness from ordinary failure or insignificance.
nounThe state or condition of being null, especially of being without legal force or effect. In law, it refers to the invalidity of an agreement, proceeding, status, or other legal arrangement.
- The condition of being null or without legal force or effect.
- A legal act, agreement, proceeding, or status that is void or invalid.
- The state of being ineffective, insignificant, or without value.
"The court held that the transaction was a nullity because the parties had never entered into a legally binding contract."
"The parties sought a declaration of nullity for the purported marriage."
"The apparent authority of the committee was a nullity because its members had never been validly appointed."
Used when referring to multiple legal acts, agreements, or proceedings that are void or invalid.
"The court identified several nullities in the transaction and ordered the relevant documents set aside."
In legal language, a nullity is not merely ineffective: it is treated as having no legal existence in the first place.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nullity come from?
Nullity was formed in English from null and the suffix -ity, which forms abstract nouns indicating a state or quality. Null comes through French from Latin nullus, meaning “none” or “not any.” The related English word nullify was formed from the same Latin base and developed the meaning “to make null or ineffective.”
How nullity is actually used
The term is most common in legal and formal writing. In general use, it is relatively uncommon and may sound deliberately technical or abstract.
Easily confused with nullity
Null means empty, ineffective, or without value in a general sense, whereas nullity more specifically names the state of being void or legally ineffective.