nugatory

[ noo-guh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, nyoo- ]
/ ˈnu gəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i, ˈnyu- /

adjective

of no real value; trifling; worthless.
of no force or effect; ineffective; futile; vain.
not valid.

Origin of nugatory

1595–1605; < Latin nūgātōrius worthless, useless, trifling, equivalent to nūgā(rī) to trifle + -tōrius -tory1

Words nearby nugatory

Example sentences from the Web for nugatory

British Dictionary definitions for nugatory

nugatory
/ (ˈnjuːɡətərɪ, -trɪ) /

adjective

of little value; trifling
not valid a nugatory law

Word Origin for nugatory

C17: from Latin nūgātōrius, from nūgārī to jest, from nūgae trifles