nihilism
noun
ni·hil·ism ˈnī-(h)ə-ˌli-zəm 
ˈnē-
ˈnē- 1
a
: a viewpoint that traditional values and beliefs are unfounded and that existence is senseless and useless
Nihilism is a condition in which all ultimate values lose their value.
Ronald H. Nash
Ronald H. Nash b
: a doctrine that denies any objective ground of truth and especially of moral truths
2
a
: a doctrine or belief that conditions in the social organization are so bad as to make destruction desirable for its own sake independent of any constructive program or possibility
b
capitalized : the program of a 19th century Russian party advocating revolutionary reform and using terrorism and assassination
nihilist
ˈnī-(h)ə-list
noun or adjective ˈnē-
nihilistic
ˌnī-(h)ə-ˈli-stik
adjective ˌnē-
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The Daniels’ quirky version of a comic book movie dives into the deep end of space-time chaos, while offering a Kurt Vonnegut-style rebuttal to nihilism and an appeal to love and kindness as the only way to make sense of the madness. Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2022 For Osmundson, to assume that nothing whatsoever can be done to combat prejudice is giving in to nihilism. Benjamin Mazer, The Atlantic, 17 Aug. 2022 This bloodbath was triggered by Ed Harris’ Man in Black character, in an extension of his series-long nihilism; his viewpoint couldn’t help becoming the show’s. Daniel D'addario, Variety, 14 Aug. 2022 Paranoia Trilogy is at the root of Millennial Hollywood’s misdirected nihilism. Armond White, National Review, 1 June 2022 As far as exercises in nihilism go, Texas deserves some points for creativity. Jason Linkins, The New Republic, 7 Aug. 2021 Of the two, Milioti gets the fuller character arc to play with, as Emma tries her very best to push down her weaknesses in favor of fully embracing the apathy of true nihilism. Caroline Framke, Variety, 28 July 2022 So do all of us still here on this side of the line dividing greed and nihilism. Mike Finger, San Antonio Express-News, 23 July 2022 As far as exercises in nihilism go, Texas deserves some points for creativity. Jason Linkins, The New Republic, 7 Aug. 2021 See More
Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2022 For Osmundson, to assume that nothing whatsoever can be done to combat prejudice is giving in to nihilism. Benjamin Mazer, The Atlantic, 17 Aug. 2022 This bloodbath was triggered by Ed Harris’ Man in Black character, in an extension of his series-long nihilism; his viewpoint couldn’t help becoming the show’s. Daniel D'addario, Variety, 14 Aug. 2022 Paranoia Trilogy is at the root of Millennial Hollywood’s misdirected nihilism. Armond White, National Review, 1 June 2022 As far as exercises in nihilism go, Texas deserves some points for creativity. Jason Linkins, The New Republic, 7 Aug. 2021 Of the two, Milioti gets the fuller character arc to play with, as Emma tries her very best to push down her weaknesses in favor of fully embracing the apathy of true nihilism. Caroline Framke, Variety, 28 July 2022 So do all of us still here on this side of the line dividing greed and nihilism. Mike Finger, San Antonio Express-News, 23 July 2022 As far as exercises in nihilism go, Texas deserves some points for creativity. Jason Linkins, The New Republic, 7 Aug. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
German Nihilismus, from Latin nihil nothing — more at nil
First Known Use
1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Medical Definition
nihilism
noun
ni·hi·lism ˈnī-(h)ə-ˌliz-əm ˈnē-
ˈnē- 1
: nihilistic delusion
2
: skepticism as to the value of a drug or method of treatment