Meaning & use
trifling
Last updated
Meaning
adjectivenot comparabledisapproving
So small or unimportant that it is not worth serious attention.
Grammar: Usually not graded with more or most; say quite trifling rather than more trifling in careful use.
Patterns
- a trifling matter
- trifling amount
- trifling detail
The delay was caused by a trifling paperwork error.
Do not argue over trifling details.
A trifling sum was missing from the cash box.
Common combinations
- trifling matter
- For the team, the dispute was a trifling matter.
- trifling sum
- The fine was a trifling sum for the corporation.
- mere trifling
- The critics called the changes mere trifling.
Synonyms and how they differ
- trivial
- Trivial is neutral and common; trifling often sounds dismissive, as if the matter annoys the speaker.
- petty
- Petty suggests small-minded or ungenerous concern, while trifling stresses lack of importance.
- insignificant
- Insignificant means lacking effect or size; trifling is more informal and scornful.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: trifling or troubling?
trifling vs troubling
Trifling means unimportant; troubling means worrying or causing concern, almost the opposite in value.
Practice
Which sentence best matches the dismissive tone of trifling?
Choose one answer.
Trifling means too small to matter, often dismissively. Troubling means worrying, and permanent or essential do not mean unimportant.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “trifling”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.