nihilism

noun

ni·hil·ism ˈnī-(h)ə-ˌli-zəm

ˈnē-

: 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

: a doctrine that denies any objective ground of truth and especially of moral truths

: 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

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

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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 Even in a decade marred by online grifters, shameless politicians, and an alternative right-wing-media complex pushing anti-science fringe theories, the events of the past few weeks stand out for their depravity and nihilism. —

Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nihilism