nonsensical

[non-sen-si-kuhl]

adjective

1. (of words or language) having little or no meaning; making little or no sense.

   A baby's babbling is appealingly nonsensical.

2. (of behavior, conduct, actions, etc.) foolish, senseless, fatuous, or absurd.

   His nonsensical behavior was unusual for such a serious person.

3. objectionable, impudent, insubordinate.

   I refuse to listen to that nonsensical gossip.

4. of trifling importance or of little or no use.

   I've had more than enough of your nonsensical advice!

Other Word Forms

• nonsensically adverb
• nonsensicality noun
• nonsensicalness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonsensical¹

nonsense + -ical

Example Sentences

Kirk’s “advice” to use college only as a marriage match service is nonsensical.

From Salon

You have to keep reminding yourself that she’s drunk and impulsive while he, rather nonsensically, holds his feelings inside until the exact moment he should shut up and save himself.

From Los Angeles Times

Is writing music your way of making sense out of a nonsensical world?

From Los Angeles Times

He added that declaring a climate emergency was "absolutely ridiculous and nonsensical".

From BBC

In seven films, the “Jurassic” franchise has not had a more obnoxious group of people than the Delgados, whose job is, it seems, to constantly make the most boneheaded, nonsensical choices in any given scenario.

From Salon

Related Words

• ridiculous 
• senseless 
• silly 
• stupid