# trifling

/ˈtɹaɪfɫɪŋ/ (US) · /tɹˈaɪflɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/trifling
Updated: 2026-10-13

## Definition

unimportant or very small. You use this to describe something that is not worth worrying about because it has very little value.

For teachers: of little importance, value, or significance. Often describes small amounts of money or minor problems that do not require serious attention.

## Examples

- He spent the afternoon worrying over a trifling sum of money.
- The manager refused to waste time on such trifling complaints when the company was facing a major crisis.
- While the individual errors seemed trifling in isolation, their cumulative effect over several months led to a significant discrepancy in the final audit.

## Synonyms

insignificant, trivial, Minor, slight, paltry, negligible, unimportant

## Antonyms

significant, important, substantial, considerable

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun.

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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.