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
1
Of very little importance or value.
"It was a trifling sum compared to what he owed."
2
Not to be taken seriously; frivolous or unreliable in behavior.
"Her trifling boyfriend never showed up on time."
How to use trifling
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMinor and unimportant — or, describing a person, unserious and unreliable.
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Word forms
- Plural
- triflings
- Comparative
- more trifling
- Superlative
- most trifling
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It was a _____ sum compared to what he owed.
Etymology
On the surface, this can be analysed as trifle plus -ing.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for trifling
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.
