nihilism

noun

ni·​hil·​ism ˈnī-(h)ə-ˌli-zəm  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

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 

ˈnē-

noun or adjective

nihilistic

ˌnī-(h)ə-ˈli-stik 

ˌnē-

adjective

Examples of nihilism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s an exhaustion and a nihilism to these series, which include at least two shows helmed by Jeff Daniels (American Rust and A Man in Full), Curb Your Enthusiasm, and maybe most notably in the earlier prestige years Breaking Bad and The Sopranos. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2024

Even a show like The Boys, which pushes the envelope with its violence and nihilism, has received eight Emmy nods over its run, including a 2021 Best Drama Series nomination. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024

Much like directors Veronika Franz's and Severin Fiala's earlier film, Goodnight Mommy, The Lodge takes a relatively straightforward story and energizes it with a slick nihilism that lends it the patina of the best downbeat horrors from the 1970s. —Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024

Consider that your audience might be seeking something a little lighter right now — less brooding nihilism, more talking birds. —Remy Blumenfeld, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Oct. 2024

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- 

1

: nihilistic delusion

2

: skepticism as to the value of a drug or method of treatment

nihilistic

ˌnī-(h)ə-ˈlis-tik, ˌnē- 

adjective