Nowhere
UK /["/ˈnəʊweə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈnəʊwer/"]/
Definition
not in or to any place
In simple words: Not in any place
Examples
- I looked for my keys everywhere, but they were nowhere to be found.
- She felt a sense of emptiness, as if she was going nowhere in life.
- The cat was nowhere in sight, and I started to worry.
- He searched the house thoroughly, but his wallet was nowhere in the room.
- In the middle of the desert, we felt like we were nowhere.
Usage notes
Used to indicate a lack of location or outcome. Avoid using in formal writing; it is better suited for spoken language and casual writing.
Grammar pattern
standalone adverb
Memory hint
Think of 'nowhere' as 'no where' — no specific location.
Collocations
- be nowhere
- go nowhere
- find nowhere
- lead nowhere
Synonyms
- not anywhere
- no place
- absent
Antonyms
- somewhere
- anywhere
Common mistakes
- Confusing with 'somewhere' — understanding their opposites.
- Using in place of 'anywhere' incorrectly.
- Mispronouncing, leading to misunderstandings.