Meaning & use
inappreciable
Last updated
Meanings
adjectivenot comparableformal
Too small to be noticed, measured, or considered important.
Grammar: Used mainly before a noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem; it has no comparative form.
Patterns
- inappreciable amount
- inappreciable difference
- an inappreciable change in something
The difference between the two samples was inappreciable.
An inappreciable amount of dust had settled on the lens.
For most patients the side effects are inappreciable.
adjectivenot comparableformaltechnical
So slight that it has no real effect on a result or decision.
Grammar: Often used in technical or academic writing about measurements and margins.
Patterns
- an inappreciable effect on something
- inappreciable in practice
- remain inappreciable
The extra weight had an inappreciable effect on the plane's fuel use.
In practice, the error is inappreciable and can be ignored.
Any advantage gained was inappreciable.
Common combinations
- inappreciable amount
- Only an inappreciable amount of the chemical remained in the water.
- inappreciable difference
- To the naked eye there was an inappreciable difference between the two shades.
- an inappreciable effect on
- The new rule had an inappreciable effect on waiting times.
- remain inappreciable
- Even after the repair, the leak remained inappreciable.
- almost inappreciable
- The rise in temperature was almost inappreciable.
Synonyms and how they differ
- negligible
- Much more common and less formal; use it when you simply mean 'too small to matter'.
- imperceptible
- Focuses on the senses — too slight to see, hear, or feel — while inappreciable focuses on importance or measurable size.
- insignificant
- Talks about importance or status rather than tiny size, and is far more common.
Opposites
Word family
- appreciable adjective
- Large enough to be noticed or measured, the opposite of this word.
- appreciably adverb
- In a way that is large enough to notice.
- appreciate verb
- To recognize the value or size of something; also to be grateful for it.
Commonly confused: inappreciable or inappreciative? inappreciable or unappreciated?
inappreciable vs inappreciative
This means 'not grateful or not showing thanks' and describes people, not amounts. Inappreciable describes something too small to notice.
inappreciable vs unappreciated
This means 'not valued or recognized by others'. It is about how people treat someone or something, not about size.
Practice
The change in air pressure was ______, so the instruments recorded nothing.
Choose one answer.
'Inappreciable' means too small to be noticed or measured, which fits an unrecorded change. 'Appreciable' means the opposite — large enough to notice. 'Inappreciative' and 'unappreciated' describe people and gratitude, not measurements.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “inappreciable”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.