# negligible

/ˈnɛɡɫədʒəbəɫ/ (US) · /nˈɛɡlɪdʒəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/negligible
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

so small or unimportant that you do not need to worry about it. It describes something that has almost no effect on a situation.

For teachers: so small or insignificant as to be not worth considering; barely perceptible. Often used in scientific or financial contexts to describe a quantity that can be ignored without affecting the outcome.

## Examples

- The difference in price between the two shops is negligible.
- Although the new engine is slightly louder, the increase in noise is negligible and won't bother the neighbors.
- In the final calculation of the project's carbon footprint, the emissions from the office supplies were deemed negligible compared to the impact of international shipping.

## Usage notes

- Typically used predicatively after a linking verb or attributively before a noun; often modified by 'virtually' or 'almost'.

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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.