Nugatory first appeared in English in the 17th century; it comes from the Latin adjective nugatorius, which can mean not only “trifling” or “frivolous” but also "futile.”

The giving of an order for the transfer of the tenancy to the housewife might be completely nugatory.

NUGATORY definition: of no real value; trifling; worthless. See examples of nugatory used in a sentence.

An adjective meaning “trifling, of no value,” nugatory comes from the Latin nugatorius, “worthless, futile,” which in turn came from the verb nugari, "to trifle or act like a fool."

1. Of little or no importance; trifling: The nation's interests in such a remote region were nugatory. 2. Unavailing, futile, or invalid: Efforts to remedy the situation proved to be nugatory.

Factsheet What does the adjective nugatory mean? There are two meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective nugatory. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Definition of nugatory adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Nugatory generally means of no value, importance, or significance; trifling. It can also refer to being useless, futile, or ineffectual. Etymology: [L. nugatorius, fr. nugari to trifle, nugae jests, …

When an object, idea, or action is labeled as nugatory, it implies that it lacks significance, relevance, or substance and is generally considered insignificant or worthless.

Sep 16, 2025 · nugatory (comparative more nugatory, superlative most nugatory) Trivial, trifling or of little importance. quotations