trifling value

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trifling value" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is of little importance or worth. Example: "The antique vase was deemed to have trifling value compared to the other items in the auction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In medieval Europe myrrh was also regarded as rare and precious; but in modern commerce it is of trifling value.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

You had better talk trifles elegantly to the most trifling woman, than coarse inelegant sense to the most solid man".

The New Yorker

for trifling sums.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Avoid trifling conversation.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is no trifling occasion.

The New York Times - Sports

This is no trifling matter.

Independent

These are not trifling matters.

The Economist

That isn't a trifling number.

The New Yorker

This is not a trifling achievement.

The New Yorker

The top ranking is no trifling achievement at any age.

The New York Times - Sports

But that is trifling compared with the wealth gap.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trifling value", ensure the context clearly establishes a comparison. For instance, something might have "trifling value" compared to a previous assessment or other items.

Common error

Avoid using "trifling value" when describing something that is completely worthless. "Trifling" implies there is some minimal worth, however small. If there's truly no value, use stronger terms like "worthless" or "devoid of value".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trifling value" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies possesses a small amount of worth. As Ludwig explains, it's a usable phrase to describe something of little importance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "trifling value" describes something of minimal worth or importance. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and usable, though examples are scarce. While synonyms like "insignificant value" or "negligible value" may be preferred in some contexts, "trifling value" remains a valid option. The primary use cases appear in news articles and encyclopedic entries and the phrase is deemed as neutral register in most cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inconsiderable value

Replaces "trifling" with "inconsiderable", emphasizing the lack of significant value.

insignificant value

Substitutes "trifling" with "insignificant", highlighting that the value is not worthy of attention.

negligible value

Substitutes "trifling" with "negligible", emphasizing that the value is so small it can be disregarded.

trivial value

Uses "trivial" instead of "trifling", suggesting the value is commonplace and unimportant.

minimal worth

Replaces "trifling" with "minimal" and "value" with "worth", focusing on the reduced merit.

slight value

Replaces "trifling" with "slight", indicating a small amount of value.

small value

Uses "small" instead of "trifling", pointing to the limited magnitude of the value.

unsubstantial worth

Emphasizes the lack of material or real value using "unsubstantial".

limited significance

Shifts from a direct valuation to the overall importance of something, deeming it limited.

of little consequence

Indicates that the value has very little effect or importance on an outcome.

FAQs

What does "trifling value" mean?

The phrase "trifling value" refers to something that has very little importance or worth. It suggests that the item or concept being described is not significant or valuable.

What can I say instead of "trifling value"?

You can use alternatives like "insignificant value", "negligible value", or "minimal worth" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "trifling value" in formal writing?

Yes, "trifling value" can be used in formal writing, although it's more common to find it in descriptive or analytical contexts rather than highly technical ones. Consider the audience and purpose to ensure it fits the overall tone.

How does "trifling value" compare to "low value"?

"Trifling value" suggests an even smaller degree of worth than "low value". "Low value" implies some measurable worth, whereas "trifling" suggests the value is so small as to be almost negligible.