Not applicable

Not Applicable (often abbreviated as N/A or NA) is a common abbreviation in tables and lists for the phrase not applicable, not available, or no answer. It is used to indicate when information in a certain table cell is not provided, either because it does not apply to a particular case in question or because the answer is not available.

Usage

The term N/A is often used in different contexts and for various purposes. Here are some common uses:

• In forms, it is often used to indicate that certain questions do not apply to the person filling out the form.
• In databases, it is used to mark fields where data is not available.
• In tables and lists, it is used when certain cells do not have applicable data.

Variations

There are several variations of N/A, including NA, n/a, na, and not applicable. The choice of variation often depends on the context and the personal preference of the user.

Criticism

While N/A is a useful tool for indicating the absence of data, it has been criticized for its overuse and misuse. Some argue that it is often used as a cop-out to avoid providing detailed information. Others argue that its meaning can be ambiguous and that it can lead to confusion if not properly explained.

See also

• Data
• Information
• Database
• Form (document)
• Table (information)