negligible

/ˈnɛɡlɪdʒəbəl/
so small or unimportant as to be disregarded

The difference in price is negligible.

The price difference is so small that it doesn't matter.


formalinformal

So small or unimportant as to be disregarded or ignored.

The risk of side effects is negligible.

The chance of side effects is so small that it can be ignored.

The delay was negligible and didn't affect the project.

The delay was so minor that it had no impact.

Often used in scientific, financial, or technical contexts to indicate something is insignificant.

Collocations

negligible amounta very small quantitynegligible effectan effect that is too small to matternegligible differencea difference that is too small to be significant

Pro Tip

Usage in Formal Contexts

Use 'negligible' in formal writing or professional settings to describe something that is too small to be significant.

Word Origin

From Middle French 'négligeable', from 'négliger' (to neglect), from Latin 'negligere' (to disregard).

Usage Notes

Often used in formal contexts to emphasize that something is too small to be worth considering. Can be used in both positive and negative contexts.

Word Breakdown

neg-
not
prefix
+
-ligible
able to be
suffix
English Dictionary