insignificant

/ˌɪnsɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt/

Say it: in-sig-NIF-uh-kunt

adjective Too small or unimportant to be worth consideration or to have an effect.
The difference in price between the two brands was insignificant.

📖 Seen in the wild

The small error in calculation was ultimately insignificant to the overall results of the experiment.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ insignificant in a sentence

In the grand scheme of the universe, our daily worries can seem utterly insignificant.
The study found a correlation, but the effect size was statistically insignificant.
He tried to dismiss the error as insignificant, but it had caused a major system failure.
She felt insignificant in the crowd, just another face among thousands.
The changes to the tax code will have an insignificant impact on most middle-class families.
Don't sweat the insignificant details; focus on the main objective.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

unimportant trivial negligible inconsequential petty minor paltry trifling

unimportant · a direct, general synonym that is slightly less formal.

trivial · suggests something is not only unimportant but also commonplace or easy to solve.

negligible · specifically implies an amount or effect so small it can be safely ignored or disregarded.

inconsequential · emphasizes a lack of effect or consequence on an outcome.

Opposites: significant, important, consequential, crucial, vital

🌱 Where it comes from

The word traces back to the Latin prefix 'in-', meaning 'not', combined with 'significans', from the verb 'significare', which means 'to signify' or 'to indicate'. Essentially, something insignificant is something that does not serve as a meaningful sign or symbol. Its meaning has remained remarkably stable, always pointing to a lack of importance or consequence.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

statistically insignificantseem insignificantfeel insignificantrender something insignificanta relatively insignificant amount

Insignificant is a neutral to slightly formal word used to describe something that lacks importance, size, or influence. While it can be used objectively, as in 'a statistically insignificant result', it can also carry a negative or dismissive tone when used to describe a person's feelings or contributions. Be mindful of this context, as calling someone's concerns "insignificant" can sound belittling.

Word family: insignificance, insignificantly

💬 Quick answers

What does insignificant mean?

It means something is too small, minor, or unimportant to be worthy of attention or to have any meaningful effect.

What's the difference between insignificant and trivial?

"Insignificant" refers to a lack of importance or effect, while "trivial" often describes something that is not only unimportant but also commonplace or easy to deal with.

Can a person be described as insignificant?

Yes, but it is a very strong and often hurtful description. It implies the person has no influence, power, or importance, and can be used to make someone feel small or powerless.

Is insignificant a formal word?

It is a neutral to formal word suitable for academic, professional, and general use. In very casual conversation, simpler terms like "unimportant" or "no big deal" are more common.

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