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cypher

cypher

1 9.9
A person who has no power or influence
  • noun
  • /ˈsaɪfər/
  • Offensive
translation icon : don nadie
  • He felt like a cypher in the discussion, as no one seemed to notice his presence.

I'm just not the right cipher or host to bring out the best in that person.

Examples

  • The women are mostly relegated to simpering cyphers.

    Blog text (3)
  • David Falconer was one man, he determined, who would never submit to being treated as a cypher by the headstrong lady.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • The sitter remains a cipher, her personality as much as her identity a mystery.

  • She's more of a complete cipher than we've ever had in recent presidential politics.

  • Maybe like Melania herself, a cipher whose eyes seem to betray an inner emptiness.

  • Despite being the most talented player on the team, he was treated like a cypher by his coaches.

  • In her family gatherings, she often felt like a cypher, with others ignoring her contributions.

Synonyms

nobody
vscypher
  • Offensive
18 2.4

A person who is not important or well known

is a slightly more formal and neutral label for the same person
nought
vscypher
  • Offensive
3 9.9

A person who is unimportant and ignored

is the current general term for lack of importance
cipher
vscypher
  • Offensive
3 8.4

A person with no power or importance in a group

is the same meaning but written in a different form
nonentity
vscypher
  • Offensive
3 8.1

A person who is unimportant and has no influence

is used specifically for people rather than things
no-account
vscypher
  • Offensive
2 8.9

A person who does not keep a steady job

focuses on having no influence rather than moral worth
Tweedledee
vscypher
  • Offensive
9.9

A foolish person who others treat as unimportant

refers to lack of importance without implying stupidity

Antonyms

A person whose actions or words change what happens for many people

How Important

notable
5 4.1
cypher
  • Offensive
1 9.9

Surface Forms

cypher singular
cyphers plural

Etymology

Cypher meaning a person of no importance comes from the old word sifr for 'zero' or 'nothing'. That's why calling someone a cypher is like saying they are 'zero' in influence or value.