inanity

noun

inan·​i·​ty i-ˈna-nə-tē How to pronounce inanity (audio)
plural inanities
1
: the quality or state of being inane: such as
a
: vapid, pointless, or fatuous character : shallowness
b
: lack of substance : emptiness
2
: something that is inane

Examples of inanity in a Sentence

quickly realized that her suggestion was an inanity and withdrew it the jaw-dropping inanity of the singer's comments on the awards show
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This insight is sort of nihilism lite, and a handy, if somewhat axiomatic, mantra for navigating the inanity of everyday life. Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025 This column started out as The Week in Stupid, a roundup of the jaw-dropping inanities of the last seven days. Pat Beall, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2025 The conflict is a sustained demonstration of war’s essential inanity. George Packer, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2025 Laugh at these inanities, but these theories often serve an end, especially on the right: to help politicians and movements score points with their base. Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for inanity

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inanity was in 1603

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Cite this Entry

“Inanity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inanity. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

inanity

noun
inan·​i·​ty in-ˈan-ət-ē How to pronounce inanity (audio)
plural inanities
1
: the quality or state of being inane
2
: something inane

More from Merriam-Webster on inanity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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