nugatory
UK: /ˈnjuːɡət(ə)ri/ | US: /ˈnuːɡətɔːri/
adj. of no real value; trifling or inconsequential
adj. ineffective or futile; lacking force or purpose
nugatory = nug<worthless> + atory<adjective suffix>
- nug<worthless>: From Latin nugatorius (trifling, worthless), derived from nugae (trifles, nonsense).
- atory<adjective suffix>: A suffix forming adjectives, often indicating a quality or tendency (e.g., mandatory, celebratory).
Etymology Origin:
The word nugatory traces back to Latin nugatorius, rooted in nugae (trifles or idle talk). It entered English in the late 16th century, retaining its original sense of something trivial or worthless. The suffix -atory reinforces its adjectival form, aligning with similar Latin-derived terms. The word’s evolution reflects a logical progression from "empty talk" to broader meanings of futility or insignificance.
The court dismissed the case as nugatory, lacking any legal merit.
His efforts to repair the old device proved nugatory; it remained broken.
She ignored the nugatory comments, focusing on substantive feedback.
The contract’s vague clauses rendered its enforcement nugatory.
Debating such nugatory details wasted the committee’s time.