isn't
/ˈɪz.ənt/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: isn'ts
Meaning · English
Something or someone that is defined by the lack of the characteristic being discussed.
NounRegister: colloquial
Examples
The most obvious recommendations for Joe Biden are a succession of “isn’ts.” He isn’t Donald Trump. He isn’t Bernie Sanders. He isn’t angry, bigoted, cruel, demagogic, erratic, frightening or gross. He isn’t going to drive Americans to distraction or the country into a ditch.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “isn't” mean?
Something or someone that is defined by the lack of the characteristic being discussed.
Is “isn't” formal or informal?
isn't is generally colloquial.