triviality

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "triviality" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to convey the idea that something is not important or worth thinking about. For example: "I'm tired of debating trivialities; let's move on to more important topics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

These clauses have an air of triviality (though whether they are to be understood as trivial principles or statements of non-trivial semantic facts has been a matter of some debate).

SEP

Letting F be anything entailing triviality Curry's paradox quickly 'shows' that the world is trivial!

SEP

He notices the "virtuoso triviality" of Andy Warhol's diaries, for instance, or the "tundra-like humourlessness" of a literary scholar, or the "phosphorescent prosperity" of England in the 1980s (you need not necessarily accept the implied political sentiment to hear how neatly that last phrase suggests burn-out and showiness).

The Economist

Behind the panache of his ideas often bunkum, yet sometimes catching acutely the media-dominated triviality of modern life the man was hidden.

The Economist

"The word luxury suggests triviality and showing off, and the time for all that has gone," he says.

The Economist

The triviality of the thing (a finger, a fig, a bite) gives it a negative polarity ("nothing").

The Economist

Above and beyond that triviality, the author sees China through rose-tinted glasses, asking readers why it would want to disturb the peace in the Pacific when it has so much to lose in trade terms.

The Economist

It sounds like a triviality.

The Economist

It follows, therefore, that the result of adding (P.10) to any theory at least as strong as (P.1) + (P.3) + (P.4d), and a fortiori to MM and any extension thereof, will immediately collapse to triviality in view of the following corollary: 'Triviality' may strike one as the wrong word here.

SEP

This is not the triviality it might seem: Cayley graphs must be distinguished from the diagrams we use to present them visually.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Rule (1) is a non-triviality requirement.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "triviality" when you want to dismiss something as being unimportant or inconsequential. It is effective in academic or formal writing to express the lack of significance of an argument or detail.

Common error

Avoid using "triviality" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler words like "unimportant" or "insignificant" are usually more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The noun "triviality" functions as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, denoting the state or quality of being unimportant. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes something lacking significance or consequence, often used to dismiss a topic or detail.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the noun "triviality" denotes the quality of being unimportant or insignificant. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, particularly in formal contexts such as academic and scientific writing, where it's used to dismiss aspects as inconsequential. While "triviality" is very common, it is advisable to use simpler synonyms like "unimportance" in more informal settings. Remember to distinguish "triviality" (lack of importance) from "superficiality" (lack of depth). Using "triviality" correctly enhances the clarity and precision of your writing, especially when evaluating arguments or detailing findings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unimportance

Emphasizes the lack of significance, making it a more direct synonym.

insignificance

Highlights the lack of consequence or impact.

pettiness

Focuses on small-mindedness and a lack of generosity in spirit or action.

frivolity

Suggests a lack of seriousness, often associated with amusement.

paltriness

Highlights the smallness or meanness of something.

worthlessness

Focuses on the lack of value or merit.

trifling matter

Indicates that something is a small issue.

minor detail

Indicates a small, unimportant aspect.

technicality

Points to a small, often legalistic, point.

superficiality

Emphasizes the lack of depth or thoroughness.

FAQs

How do you use "triviality" in a sentence?

"Triviality" is used to describe something lacking importance or significance. For example: "The debate devolved into a discussion of mere trivialities."

What can I say instead of "triviality"?

You can use alternatives like "unimportance", "insignificance", or "pettiness" depending on the context.

Is "triviality" formal or informal?

"Triviality" tends to be more formal and is often found in academic or professional writing. Simpler synonyms are preferred in informal contexts.

What's the difference between "triviality" and "superficiality"?

"Triviality" refers to a lack of importance, while "superficiality" refers to a lack of depth or thoroughness. Something can be trivial without being superficial, and vice versa.