to nil
8.1
To score zero points in a game
- verb
- /nɪl/
- UK
- Her attempts to score were met with strong defense, leaving her with nil points by the end of the game.
Examples
-
While progress toward implementing those agreements was slow to nil in 1992, hopes were raised in Korea and in the region.
Academic text (1993) -
The team ended the season with a score of nil, failing to win any matches.
-
In the final game, the home team managed to keep their opponents to nil throughout the match.
Antonyms
Compounds
Ipomoea nil
- Specialized
9.9
An annual climbing plant with bright, ruffled flowers often grown in gardens
Surface Forms
Etymology
Nil as a verb (often nilled) comes from the noun nil and Latin nihil 'nothing', so to 'nil' an opponent is to leave them with 'nothing' — zero points.