WordGarden.ioinsignificant
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌɪnsɪɡnˈɪfɪkənt/
US
- /ˌɪnsɪɡˈnjɪfɪkənt/
Meanings
Adjective
too small, unimportant, or minor to matter much
having little status, power, or influence
not statistically meaningful or reliable
Beyond the definition
Something insignificant isn't worth much notice - it's too small or unimportant to matter. A tiny speck of dust on a vast beach is insignificant; the color of your socks probably won't have an impact on world events, so that detail is insignificant.
Think of a grand painting: while every brushstroke contributes, a single, almost invisible dot of paint is insignificant compared to the overall masterpiece. Sometimes things are insignificant because they're simply too small to make a difference. Other times, it's because there are much bigger concerns at hand. A disagreement over who gets the last cookie might feel huge to two children, but is utterly insignificant in the face of a global crisis.
The word insignificant describes something lacking importance, consequence, or value. It implies that something is too small, trivial, or unimportant to be worth considering.
You might describe a minor detail as insignificant - like a scratch on a car or a single typo in a long document. But it can also apply to people or events. A small village nestled among towering mountains might seem insignificant compared to the bustling capital city nearby. Or, an individual act of kindness may feel insignificant on its own, but together with others, it can create significant change.
The root of "insignificant" comes from the Latin word significare, meaning "to signify" or "to mean." So, something insignificant literally doesn't mean much. It's important to note that what is considered insignificant is often subjective - it depends on context and perspective. What seems trivial to one person might be deeply meaningful to another.
Consider the story of David and Goliath. To many, David was an insignificant shepherd boy facing a mighty warrior. Yet, his courage and skill proved that even the smallest among us can achieve great things. So, while something may appear insignificant on the surface, it doesn't necessarily mean it lacks potential or value altogether.
Examples
- 1
Small damage
The scratch on the table was insignificant, so we decided not to repair it.
- 2
Hidden cost
The fee seemed insignificant at first, but it added up over a year.
- 3
Personal impact
The delay was insignificant to most passengers, but it made Anna miss her interview.
- 4
Project budget
Compared with the cost of the whole project, the repair bill was insignificant.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Social feeling
She felt insignificant in a room full of famous writers.
- 6
Statistics
The difference between the two test scores was statistically insignificant.
- Domainstatistically insignificant
too small to prove a reliable difference
- 7
Understatement
A not insignificant number of customers complained after the update.
- Phrasenot insignificant
fairly large or important
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- insignificant amount
- insignificant difference
- statistically insignificant
- seem insignificant
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- insignificantadjective