What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nugatory
Example
The company's efforts to improve employee morale were nugatory. [nugatory: adjective]
Example
The proposed changes to the policy were deemed nugatory by the board. [nugatory: adjective]
worthless
Example
The old computer was worthless and couldn't be sold. [worthless: adjective]
Example
The advice he gave me was worthless and didn't help at all. [worthless: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Worthless is more commonly used than nugatory in everyday language. Worthless is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while nugatory is less common and typically used in more formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nugatory and worthless?
Nugatory is more formal than worthless and is typically used in academic or legal contexts. Worthless is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.