nonlife

English

Etymology

non- +‎ life

Noun

nonlife (countable and uncountable, plural nonlives)

1. (biology, uncountable) All objects or substances except those considered alive.

   Life reproduces. Everything else is nonlife.

2. (countable) A life so devoid of meaning or activity that it is barely worth living.
   • 2001, Peter M Coan, Taxi: The Harry Chapin Story:

     These guys do good jobs given the kind of nonlives they live. It's inhuman. They can't go home. They can't see their ladies.

Usage notes

• Usually used in opposition to life; rarely otherwise.

Adjective

nonlife (not comparable)

1. (insurance) Relating to types of insurance which are not life insurance

   The Dutch insurance industry has received a negative outlook from Moody's Investors Service Ltd. in London, reflecting in part concerns over unit-linked contracts and the absence of growth opportunities in the nonlife segment, according to a report released Thursday by the rating agency.