non-existent

/ˌnɒn ɪɡˈzɪstənt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌnɑːn ɪɡˈzɪstənt/ (ame, ipa)

non-existent — adjective

1. describing something that has no actual existence — either because it was never

1.形容詞C1
釋義

describing something that has no actual existence — either because it was never made, is no longer around, or cannot be found where you expect it.

例句

Rachid checked the storage room twice, but the missing files were simply non-existent.

collocation: non-existent [concrete object]

The CEO dismissed the merger rumors as completely non-existent.

同義詞
  • imaginary

    suggests something created in the mind, not merely absent

  • absent

    implies something was expected but is missing, not necessarily unreal

  • mythical

    implies a story or legend rather than actual existence, often with cultural weight

反義詞
  • existing

    the direct opposite — having real presence or availability

  • actual

    emphasises verifiable reality rather than mere presence

用法筆記

Both spellings — non-existent (with hyphen) and nonexistent (closed) — are correct. The hyphenated form is more common in British English; the closed form is standard in American English.