Word
inconsequential
Phoneticsin·con·se·quen·tial, stress on the fourth syllable
US/ˌɪŋˌkɑnsəˈkwɛntʃəɫ/
UK/ɪnkˌɒnsɪkwˈɛnʃəl/
Definition
adj. not important or having very little effect on a situation. You use this to describe something that does not change the final result.
adj. having little or no importance or effect; trivial in significance. Often used to describe minor details that do not impact the overall outcome of a larger event.
Examples
“The small mistake was inconsequential to the final result.”
“While the individual errors were inconsequential, they added up to a significant delay in the project timeline.”
“In the grand scheme of the company's expansion, the minor administrative oversight proved inconsequential, though it served as a useful lesson for the new team.”
Examples
simple
“The small mistake was inconsequential to the final result.”
contextual
“While the individual errors were inconsequential, they added up to a significant delay in the project timeline.”
complex
“In the grand scheme of the company's expansion, the minor administrative oversight proved inconsequential, though it served as a useful lesson for the new team.”
Real-World Examples
“Following the conclusion of this weekend’s round of Premier League fixtures, football fans have what promises to be an exceptionally long, uninspiring and largely inconsequential international break to endure.” “But when the film finally fades to black, after an eventful but also dull story, it’s almost difficult to credit how inconsequential and throwaway it’s all been.” Etymology
From in- + consequential.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/inconsequential