nonetheless

nonetheless — adverb

1. used to say that a fact or action remains true or happens, even though something

1.adverbC1
Definition

used to say that a fact or action remains true or happens, even though something previously mentioned suggests it might not — for example, acknowledging a problem but still carrying out the plan.

Example

Ravi had never studied French, yet he nonetheless managed to order dinner in Lyon.

nonetheless + managed to — outcome despite lack of preparation

The city's small art museum was poorly funded but nonetheless attracted international visitors.

contrastive structure: 'X was Y but nonetheless Z'

Common collocations
  • nonetheless + managed to
  • nonetheless + continued
  • nonetheless + remained
  • nonetheless + agreed to
  • nonetheless + decided to
  • nonetheless + important / valid / true
  • but nonetheless
  • yet nonetheless
Synonyms
  • nevertheless

    Virtually interchangeable; 'nevertheless' is slightly more formal and places stronger emphasis on the logical contrast between the two points.

  • however

    More versatile and common; can introduce any kind of contrast, while 'nonetheless' specifically signals that a stated obstacle does not block the outcome.

  • even so

    Informal and conversational; works well in speech where 'nonetheless' would sound too stiff.

  • still

    Shorter and less formal; often placed after the subject in everyday speech ('I still think you should go').

Antonyms
  • therefore

    Introduces a logical consequence rather than a contrast; used when the second point follows from the first, not in spite of it.

Grammar Patterns

nonetheless + clause

Subject + nonetheless + verb

Usage Note

Typically placed at the start of a clause or directly after the subject. More common in formal written English than in everyday conversation, where 'still' or 'even so' are more natural. Often follows a statement of difficulty or an obstacle.

Common Mistakes

The project was behind schedule nonetheless the team delivered on time.
The project was behind schedule; nonetheless, the team delivered on time.
'Nonetheless' is a conjunctive adverb and must be linked to the previous clause with a semicolon (or start a new sentence), not a comma.
He said he would help; we nonetheless finished the work alone.' (misplaced meaning)
He said he would not help; we nonetheless finished the work alone.
'Nonetheless' signals that an obstacle or negative statement does not prevent the outcome. If the first part is positive, 'nonetheless' sounds illogical.

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

All five words introduce a contrast with what came before, but they differ in formality and nuance. 'Nonetheless' and 'nevertheless' are the most formal and largely interchangeable; 'nevertheless' slightly emphasises the logical contradiction ('the fact remains that…'), while 'nonetheless' focuses on the outcome continuing despite an obstacle. 'However' is the most versatile and by far the most common in both speech and writing — it can begin a sentence, appear mid-sentence between commas, or link independent clauses. 'Even so' and 'still' belong to a more conversational register; 'even so' typically starts a new sentence ('The traffic was terrible. Even so, we arrived on time'), whereas 'still' often sits right after the subject ('I still think you should apply for the job'). In formal essays or reports, prefer 'nonetheless' or 'nevertheless' for weight; use 'still' or 'even so' in informal emails or spoken English.

nonetheless ↗nevertheless ↗however ↗even so ↗still ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • but nonetheless
  • yet nonetheless
  • nonetheless , [clause]

Etymology

Middle EnglishEnglish

Formed in Middle English from 'none' + 'the' + 'less', modelled on older 'ne the les' (not the less). The meaning has stayed remarkably stable since the 14th century — it has always been used to say that something remains true despite what was just mentioned.