for nothing

phrase

: without reason

: at no charge

Examples of for nothing in a Sentence

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.

Not for nothing has White Barn Inn been blessed with just about every hospitality and dining award possible—from the endless applause of regional magazines and AAA five diamond ratings to a spot on Traveler's Gold List. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026 With Jones inside the final 12 months of his contract and with no prospect of him signing an extension, Liverpool were faced with either sanctioning his sale this summer or keeping an unhappy player before losing him for nothing next year. — James Pearce, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Those facilities had sat unused for years, a fee paid for nothing visible. — Dr. Aditya Vikram Kashyap, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 Full because there was almost too much to comprehend, but quiet because for those fleeting moments, there was room for nothing else. — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for for nothing

Word History

First Known Use

1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of for nothing was in 1560

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Cite this Entry

Style

“For nothing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/for%20nothing. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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for nothing

phrase

Examples of for nothing in a Sentence

Word History

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