# frivolous

/ˈfɹɪvəɫəs/ (US) · /fɹˈɪvələs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/frivolous
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

not having any serious purpose or value. You use this to describe things that are silly or a waste of time when you should be serious.

For teachers: lacking any serious purpose, value, or necessity. In legal contexts, refers to claims or actions brought without any reasonable basis in fact or law.

## Examples

- She spent her money on frivolous things.
- The judge dismissed the case immediately, calling it a frivolous lawsuit intended only to waste the court's time.
- While the initial complaint seemed frivolous to the public, the subsequent investigation revealed a systemic failure that warranted a serious legal review of the company's safety protocols.

## Usage notes

- Often used to modify nouns like 'lawsuit', 'claim', 'expense', or 'behavior'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.