adj

trifling

TRYF-leeng

Trifling (adj) means of very little importance or value. Example: “It was a trifling sum compared to what he owed.”

adj

Of very little importance or value.

"It was a trifling sum compared to what he owed."

Not to be taken seriously; frivolous or unreliable in behavior.

"Her trifling boyfriend never showed up on time."

How to use trifling

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMinor and unimportant — or, describing a person, unserious and unreliable.

Word forms

more trifling comparative, triflings plural, most trifling superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “trifling” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

It was a _____ sum compared to what he owed.

Etymology

By surface analysis, trifle + -ing.

Rhymes for trifling

rifling stifling

See all rhymes for trifling →

Frequently asked questions

What does “trifling” mean?

The word “trifling” means of very little importance or value. In plain terms, minor and unimportant — or, describing a person, unserious and unreliable.

How do you pronounce “trifling”?

“Trifling” is pronounced TRYF-leeng (/ˈtɹaɪfliŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “trifling” in a sentence?

Here is “trifling” used in a sentence: “It was a trifling sum compared to what he owed.”

What part of speech is “trifling”?

“Trifling” is an adjective.

How many meanings does “trifling” have?

“Trifling” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: of very little importance or value.