frivolous

[ friv-uh-luhs ]

adjective

1. characterized by lack of seriousness or sense:

   frivolous conduct.

2. self-indulgently carefree; unconcerned about or lacking any serious purpose.
3. (of a person) given to trifling or undue levity:

   a frivolous, empty-headed person.

   Synonyms: puerile, childish, foolish, silly, idle

   Antonyms: serious

4. of little or no weight, worth, or importance; not worthy of serious notice:

   a frivolous suggestion.

   Synonyms: flimsy, trivial, paltry, petty, trifling, light

   Antonyms: weighty

frivolous

/ ˈfrɪvələs; frɪˈvɒlɪtɪ /

adjective

1. not serious or sensible in content, attitude, or behaviour; silly

   a frivolous remark

2. unworthy of serious or sensible treatment; unimportant

   frivolous details

Derived Forms

• ˈfrivolously, adverb
• ˈfrivolousness, noun

Other Words From

• friv·o·lous·ly adverb
• friv·o·lous·ness noun
• un·friv·o·lous adjective
• un·friv·o·lous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of frivolous¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Latin frīvolus “worthless, trifling”; -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of frivolous¹

C15: from Latin frīvolus silly, worthless

Example Sentences

She’s also independent, which means she’s unprotected by the fortification of lawyers and resources erected by the owners of newspapers such as The Times to fend off legal threats, frivolous and otherwise, that are part of the arsenal of people and firms we write about.

From Los Angeles Times

The goal of those threatening legal action, no matter how frivolous, is “to suppress criticism,” Jassin says.

From Los Angeles Times

“In a perfect world, reporting the facts would be enough to avoid frivolous lawsuits,” she told me.

From Los Angeles Times

“But obviously, companies and people with resources are willing to file frivolous lawsuits regardless. That is a risk I take on, with hopes that being cautious and being very careful about fact-checking will at least stave off the worst.”

From Los Angeles Times

Gershman decried the "repetitive legal ploys, frivolous arguments and gamesmanship" Trump's legal team engaged in to delay his cases and the Supreme Court and Judhge Cannon's role in making the lawyers' gambit "a huge success."

From Salon

Related Words

• foolish
• idiotic
• impractical
• petty
• pointless
• senseless