In name only Meaning in English
expression
ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈneɪm/ /ˈoʊnɫi
in NAYM OHN-lee
ˈɪn/ /nˈeɪm/ /ˈəʊnli
in NAYM OHN-lee
Definition
When something is called or labeled as something, but does not actually have its real power, function, or qualities.
Usage & Nuances
Usually formal or neutral. Common with titles, positions, or organizations that exist only on paper but not in practice. Often expresses criticism or implies lack of real authority or substance.
Spanish: solo de nombre - solo en el papelPortuguese (BR): apenas no nomePortuguese (PT): apenas de nomeChinese (Simplified): 名义上Chinese (Traditional): 名義上Hindi: केवल नाम के लिएArabic: بالاسم فقطBengali: নামের জন্য - শুধু নামেRussian: только номинально - по названиюJapanese: 名ばかりでVietnamese: chỉ trên danh nghĩa - trên giấy tờKorean: 명목상으로만Turkish: adı var ama kendisi yok - sadece isimdeUrdu: صرف نام کا - صرف برائے نامIndonesian: hanya di atas nama - sekadar nama
Example Sentences
He is the leader in name only.
basic
The company exists in name only now.
basic
Their marriage was in name only.
basic
I'm the boss in name only—my team doesn't listen to me at all.
natural
That committee is in name only; it never even meets.
natural
She’s my partner in name only, not in how we run things.
natural