trifling
What does "trifling" mean?
"Trifling" describes something that lacks real importance, value, or seriousness. Imagine a pile of sand or a tiny, insignificant detail that doesn't actually change the outcome of a situation; that is a trifle. It is often used to dismiss someone's concerns or to describe an amount that is so small it is barely worth counting. While it can be used neutrally to mean "small," it is frequently used to express a sense of impatience or condescension toward things that are trivial or beneath one's notice.
"trifling" in conversation
Discussing a budget error
I'm worried about the five-dollar discrepancy in the report.
I'm worried about the five-dollar discrepancy in the report.
Don't bother with that; it's a trifling amount in the grand scheme of our budget.
Don't bother with that; it's a trifling amount in the grand scheme of our budget.
Used here to dismiss a concern as insignificant.
An arrogant character in a drama
I have no time for such trifling matters while the kingdom is at stake.
I have no time for such trifling matters while the kingdom is at stake.
Shows the slightly haughty register often associated with the word.
"trifling" in a sentence
He spent his afternoon on trifling tasks instead of finishing the project.
He spent his afternoon on trifling tasks instead of finishing the project.
The judge dismissed the case as a trifling dispute between neighbors.
The judge dismissed the case as a trifling dispute between neighbors.
She refused to be bothered by his trifling attempts to undermine her authority.
She refused to be bothered by his trifling attempts to undermine her authority.
