trifling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trifling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is insignificant, trivial, or of little value or importance. Example: "His concerns about the project were trifling compared to the larger issues we faced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unfortunately, both in this country and the eurozone, an absurdly short-term view was taken of the situation The actual amount to be redeemed on Monday is, at just over £1.9bn, trifling by today's standards, but tomorrow is nevertheless a historic day.

The Guardian - Business

But Europe looked steadier only because Germany's huge trade surplus offset deficits elsewhere notably in Spain but also in France, Greece, Italy and Portugal.These imbalances were not trifling.

The Economist

Losses on its loans were trifling because borrowers, often landlords, had every reason to avoid foreclosure and could always sell their properties at a profit if they struggled with repayments.

The Economist

IN THESE days of mega-mergers, Chase Manhattan's purchase of Beacon Group for an estimated $500m might appear trifling.

The Economist

Firms may be booking much bigger restructuring charges than they should, creating a reserve of money to draw on to boost profits in a difficult future year.The amounts involved in all these shenanigans are hardly trifling.

The Economist

Set against the annual gains from increased longevity, such outlays are trifling.

The Economist

Although the amount due this week was trifling (less than $15m), no government bail-out was on offer.

The Economist

Most rule-breakers are not caught; those caught are seldom punished; and the few who are punished face trifling fines.

The Economist

But this spring he unleashed a flood of policy proposals ranging from the trifling (improving the system of foster care) to the substantial (tax cuts, Social-Security reform, big reductions in the number of nuclear weapons).

The Economist

Financial reparations he was doubtful about; apologies seemed trifling.

The Economist

But the gains to individuals may seem trifling.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trifling" to downplay the significance of something, especially when contrasting it with something more important. It adds a touch of understated dismissal.

Common error

While "trifling" is grammatically sound, overuse in very formal writing can make your tone seem dismissive or condescending. Opt for more neutral terms like "insignificant" or "minor" to maintain objectivity.

Linguistic Context

Trifling functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a lack of importance, value, or significance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correctly used in this manner across various contexts, highlighting its versatility in describing matters considered inconsequential. Examples show it modifying amounts, issues, and even differences, emphasizing their unimportance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trifling" is an adjective used to describe something as unimportant or of little value. As shown by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and frequently found in news and business contexts. While alternatives like "insignificant" or "minor" may be more appropriate in very formal settings, "trifling" serves well to downplay the significance of a subject. Predominantly featured in authoritative sources such as The Economist and The Guardian, it is used to dismiss concerns or to highlight a contrast with more significant matters, making it a versatile term in professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Insignificant

Focuses on the lack of importance or impact, similar to "trifling" but more direct.

Of little consequence

Emphasizes the minimal effect or result, changing the structure of the sentence.

Of minor importance

Highlights the reduced significance or relevance, offering a slight shift in tone.

Not worth mentioning

Indicates that something is so unimportant it doesn't deserve attention, adding a dismissive nuance.

Hardly matters

Stresses the lack of impact or relevance, using a more conversational tone.

A drop in the bucket

Illustrates how small something is in comparison to something larger, employing a metaphorical expression.

Negligible

Highlights the unimportance of something in a formal and scientific way.

Paltry

Emphasizes the smallness and insignificance in a disdainful way.

Token

Highlights that something is just for show and has no actual importance or impact.

Minimal

Stresses that something is at its lowest size possible, just a bit more descriptive than "trifling".

FAQs

How to use "trifling" in a sentence?

You can use "trifling" to describe something of little importance or value. For example, "The amount was "trifling" compared to the overall budget" or "He dismissed the issue as "trifling"".

What can I say instead of "trifling"?

You can use alternatives like "insignificant", "minor", or "trivial" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "trifling matter" or "trivial matter"?

Both ""trifling" matter" and "trivial matter" are correct and can be used interchangeably to describe something of little importance. The choice often depends on the desired tone.

What's the difference between "trifling" and "insignificant"?

"Trifling" often implies a dismissive attitude towards something considered unimportant, while "insignificant" simply states a lack of importance without necessarily implying dismissal.