frivolous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "frivolous" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is not serious, lacking in value or importance, or trivial in nature. Example: "The court dismissed the case, stating that it was based on frivolous claims that had no merit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With too little in the public domain, it is not surprising that many cases fall at the first hurdle for being "frivolous or vexatious".

The Guardian

These hunt scenes are oddly relaxed, even frivolous in a chilly way; the criminals are simply getting down to work.

The Guardian - Film

As one moderator told me:"There seems to be a huge backlash against the Guardian's increasing coverage of feminist issues, from more frivolous pieces (body hair, sunbathing topless, anything to do with Beyoncé) to pieces on domestic violence, FGM etc. WATM (what about the men) is now something we look out for on any piece about women as standard".

The Guardian - Opinion

The implication is that dressing in a more conventionally feminine way is somehow more frivolous, and can undermine perceptions of a woman's intellectual and professional skills.

The Guardian

It's smaller than that: a seemingly insignificant, frivolous bit of fluff that only those in the know might notice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The fact that Lahiri is unembarrassed about being frivolous or silly, fashion-obsessed or celeb-stalky is also a huge deal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"If this sounds a frivolous way to remember a great man, I do not think he would have objected?

The Guardian

But this claim was dismissed by a judge as "frivolous", as the nature of the John Doe suit meant he was never named as a defendant.

The Guardian

Vatan contributor Amir Ali Jahandar predicted that a "harmful agreement" was looming, with the public distracted by presumably more frivolous topics like the recent acid attacks on women in Iran.

The Guardian

Critics such as Médecins Sans Frontières, which sends volunteer doctors and nurses to many poor places, say that America's proposals would hinder countries from using compulsory licences or limiting frivolous patents.

The Economist

Today, there are additional worries about the damage being done by the flood of frivolous patent suits to innovation and competition.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "frivolous" to describe actions, arguments, or lawsuits that lack a sound basis in fact or law, emphasizing their lack of merit.

Common error

Avoid using "frivolous" to describe something simply because you disagree with it. Ensure it genuinely lacks importance or seriousness, rather than reflecting a difference in opinion.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "frivolous" functions primarily to describe something as lacking seriousness or importance. It is often used to dismiss or downplay the significance of actions, ideas, or arguments. Ludwig AI indicates this is a standard and accepted usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "frivolous" is used to describe something lacking seriousness or importance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. It's frequently found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. Related terms include "trivial" and "insignificant". To use "frivolous" effectively, ensure the context supports the connotation of a lack of merit or value. Avoid misusing it simply to express disagreement without a genuine lack of importance. With its frequent appearance in authoritative sources, "frivolous" remains a reliable descriptor when denoting a lack of seriousness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trivial

Indicates a lack of seriousness or importance, often used to describe something insignificant.

insignificant

Emphasizes the smallness or unimportance of something.

unimportant

Directly states the lack of importance.

petty

Suggests small-mindedness or a focus on trivial matters.

inconsequential

Indicates that something has no significant impact or effect.

shallow

Implies a lack of depth or substance.

superficial

Focuses on the surface level and a lack of genuine concern or understanding.

silly

Highlights the foolish or nonsensical nature of something.

meaningless

Suggests a lack of purpose or significance.

pointless

Emphasizes the futility or lack of purpose in something.

FAQs

How can I use "frivolous" in a sentence?

You can use "frivolous" to describe something lacking in seriousness or importance. For example: "The lawsuit was dismissed as "frivolous"." or "She considered his spending habits "frivolous"."

What's a good alternative to "frivolous"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "trivial", "insignificant", or "petty". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of lacking importance or seriousness.

What makes a lawsuit considered "frivolous"?

A lawsuit is considered "frivolous" when it lacks a sound legal basis, is brought without any reasonable prospect of success, or is intended to harass or annoy the opposing party.

Is "frivolous" the same as "superficial"?

While both suggest a lack of depth, "frivolous" implies a lack of seriousness or importance, whereas "superficial" suggests a focus on the surface and a lack of genuine understanding.