English Reference
adjective · noun

insignificant

adj. · n.
US /ˌɪnsɪɡˈnjɪfɪkənt/ UK /ˌɪnsɪɡnˈɪfɪkənt/ in·signif·i·cant

  1. 01 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.

    Simple

    The difference in price was so insignificant that I didn't mind paying more.

    In context

    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.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    adj.having no meaning or purpose.

    adj.devoid of meaning or symbolic importance; not signifying anything specific.

    Simple

    To an outsider, these ancient symbols might look like insignificant marks on the wall.

    In context

    The witness provided a series of insignificant details that failed to clarify the timeline of the incident.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency LiteraryFormal

    n.a person who has no power or importance.

    n.a person or thing of no importance or influence.

    Simple

    He felt like a mere insignificant in the busy crowd of the city.

    In context

    The protagonist began the novel as a social insignificant, ignored by the aristocracy until a sudden inheritance changed his fortunes.

    nobodynonentity

The sisters represent a not insignificant portion of 6,600 African wild dogs left in the world.

Smithsonian Magazine· 25 Aug 2026

Fagan found there was an “insignificant” risk the now 22-year-old, who was of “limited intellect”, would commit a serious terrorism offence.

The Guardian· 21 Aug 2026

From in- (“not”) + significant.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated