Definition
虚设 is a formal verb meaning something exists in name only but has no real function or effect. It often appears in the set phrase 形同虚设 ('to be as good as nonexistent') and is used for positions, institutions, rules, or systems that are nominally in place but practically useless.
v.
to exist in name onlyto be nominal and ineffective
Examples
- ，。Zhège wěiyuánhuì xíng tóng xū shè, cóng bù zhàokāi huìyì.This committee exists in name only; it never holds meetings.
- ，虚设。Zhìdù rúguǒ dé bú dào zhíxíng, jiù děngyú xū shè.If a system is not enforced, it is as good as nonexistent.
- 虚设。Tā dānrèn de gùwèn zhíwèi búguò shì xū shè éryǐ.The advisory position he holds is merely nominal.
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