adjective

negligible

/ˈneɡlɪdʒəbəl/ · say it: NEG·lij·uh·bul

so small as to be unimportant

In Describing & Comparing

In more detail

so small or unimportant that it is not worth considering or worrying about

Examples

The risk of side effects from this medication is negligible.
The difference in price between the two products is negligible, so you can choose either one.

How to use negligible

Negligible describes something so small or unimportant that it can be safely ignored or dismissed. It is commonly used in technical, scientific, and formal contexts to indicate that a factor or quantity is not worth serious consideration. Unlike trivial, which may suggest something is unworthy of respect, negligible is more neutral and objective about mere size or importance.

Common phrases

negligible impact
negligible amount
negligible difference
negligible risk
negligible effect

Synonyms

insignificant · trivial · minimal · trifling · inconsequential

Opposites

significant · substantial · considerable

Word family

negligibly (adverb) · negligence (noun) · negligent (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse negligible with negligent; negligible means insignificant in size or importance, while negligent means careless or failing in duty.

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