non-existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "non-existence" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to the state of not existing or being absent. Example: "The non-existence of evidence made the case difficult to prove." Alternative expressions include "absence" and "lack of existence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hence, proving non-existence without giving away existing names.

Security Informatics

What about the concept of a non-existing substance could explain that substance's non-existence?

SEP

But if an existing substance is completely causally isolated, what could bring about its non-existence?

SEP

He is taking God's non-existence personally.

The Guardian - Books

They are out for our non-existence.

The New York Times

It's a matter of existence or non-existence".

The Guardian - Film

To anyone under the age of 50, brutalism belongs to the age of their non-existence.

The Guardian - Arts

What are your views on overseas investment funds and the almost non-existence of fellatio?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Organised sport had imploded into non-existence, but not the people's passion for football.

The Guardian

In particular we can imagine increasingly plausible natural mechanisms by which our universe came into existence from non-existence.

The Guardian

I guess for anyone who's read Descartes, the logical conclusion of deciding your policy through polls is eventual non-existence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts like the universe's origin or philosophical arguments, use "non-existence" to precisely denote the absence of being, ensuring clarity and depth in your explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "absence" and "non-existence" interchangeably in contexts where a specific entity is expected. "Absence" implies something that could or should be present is missing, while "non-existence" refers to something that does not and cannot exist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "non-existence" functions primarily as a noun, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the state of not existing. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where it is used to discuss the absence of tangible or intangible things.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "non-existence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase signifying the state of not existing. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this term appears across diverse fields, from philosophy and science to news and media. Its usage is primarily formal and scientific, denoting an absence or negation of being. Consider alternatives like "absence of existence" or "nothingness" depending on the context. To ensure clarity, use "non-existence" when specifically referring to something that fundamentally lacks being, avoiding confusion with "absence", which implies a missing entity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nothingness

Directly equates to a state where nothing exists, often used in philosophical contexts.

nonbeing

A philosophical term directly contrasting with 'being,' referring to the state of not existing.

absence of existence

This alternative directly replaces the single word with a phrase emphasizing the lack of being.

lack of being

Focuses on the absence of a state of existence, highlighting the lack of inherent presence.

cessation of being

Highlights the termination or stopping of existence.

state of nullity

Replaces "existence" with "nullity", emphasizing a state of being void or without effect.

voidance

A more concise term for the act or state of becoming void or empty, implying the non-existence.

inactivity

Suggests a cessation of existence through a lack of activity or effect.

absence

A general term for lacking something, applicable to existence in certain contexts.

lack

Simpler term denoting the state of being without or deficient in something.

FAQs

How can I use "non-existence" in a sentence?

You can use "non-existence" to describe the state of something not existing, such as "The scientist disproved the "non-existence of the phenomenon"" or "The debate centered on the "non-existence of God"".

What are some alternatives to the word "non-existence"?

Alternatives include "absence of existence", "lack of being", or "nothingness". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it correct to say "the non-existence are real"?

No, that sentence is grammatically incorrect. "Non-existence" is a noun referring to the state of not existing. You could say "the implications of "non-existence" are real", or rephrase it as "the things that don't exist have real consequences".

What's the difference between "non-existence" and "inexistence"?

"Non-existence" is the standard and more commonly used term to describe the state of not existing. "Inexistence" is a less common and somewhat archaic term with the same meaning, but "non-existence" is generally preferred for clarity.