WordValetrivial
of little value or importance
In more detail
1. (adjective) of little importance or value; not serious or significant
2. (adjective) very easy to do or understand; requiring little effort or thought
Examples
- The cost is trivial compared to the benefit we'll get.
- These are trivial problems that any beginner can solve.
How to use trivial
Trivial describes something of little value or importance, often dismissively. It can mean both unimportant (a trivial matter) and simple/easy (a trivial problem to solve). The tone is often slightly condescending, implying that something doesn't deserve serious attention.
Common phrases
- trivial matter
- trivial pursuit
- trivial amount
- trivial detail
- trivial task
- seem trivial
Synonyms
minor · insignificant · petty · unimportant · inconsequential
Opposites
important · significant · major
Word family
trivially (adverb) · triviality (noun) · trivialize (verb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use trivial when they mean 'usual' or 'ordinary'; trivial specifically conveys insignificance or lack of importance, not just commonness.
Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.
Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD