Word
insignificant
Phoneticsin·signif·i·cant
US/ˌɪnsɪɡˈnjɪfɪkənt/
UK/ˌɪnsɪɡnˈɪfɪkənt/
Definitions
01unimportant
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. too small or unimportant to be worth noticing.
adj. lacking importance, consequence, or value; having no noticeable effect on a situation.
“The difference in price was so insignificant that I didn't mind paying more.”
“While the individual errors seemed insignificant, their cumulative effect over the fiscal year resulted in a substantial budgetary shortfall.”
Usage
Often used to describe amounts, differences, or changes.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02meaningless
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. having no meaning or purpose.
adj. devoid of meaning or symbolic importance; not signifying anything specific.
“To an outsider, these ancient symbols might look like insignificant marks on the wall.”
“The witness provided a series of insignificant details that failed to clarify the timeline of the incident.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03an unimportant person
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Literary · Formal
n. a person who has no power or importance.
n. a person or thing of no importance or influence.
“He felt like a mere insignificant in the busy crowd of the city.”
“The protagonist began the novel as a social insignificant, ignored by the aristocracy until a sudden inheritance changed his fortunes.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“The sisters represent a not insignificant portion of 6,600 African wild dogs left in the world.” “Fagan found there was an “insignificant” risk the now 22-year-old, who was of “limited intellect”, would commit a serious terrorism offence.” Etymology
From in- (“not”) + significant.
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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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