A nonaqueous electrolytic solution for lithium battery comprises an electrolyte salt dissolved in a nonaqueous solvent and contains a carboxylate compound represented by the following general formula (I) in an amount of from 0.01 to 10% by mass of the nonaqueous electrolytic solution. (In the formula R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; R3 represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or a group —CH2CO2CR1R2C≡CH (R1 and R2 have the same meaning as above).) A lithium battery uses the nonaqueous electrolytic solution having excellent cycle property and storage property.