noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Used in competitive contexts (games, sports, contests) to indicate that there is no winner; the result is a draw or tie.
試合は勝負なしに終わった。
The match ended in a draw.
このゲームは勝負なしのルールだ。
This game has a rule that it can end in a tie.
引き分け is the more common and neutral word for a draw or tie in sports and games. 勝負なし is slightly more emphatic, implying that neither side could claim victory.
Compound of 勝負 (shōbu, 'match, contest') and なし (nashi, 'without, none'). Literally 'no contest' or 'without a winner'.