frivolous
Americanadjective
-
characterized by lack of seriousness or sense.
frivolous conduct.
-
self-indulgently carefree; unconcerned about or lacking any serious purpose.
-
(of a person) given to trifling or undue levity.
a frivolous, empty-headed person.
- Antonyms:
- serious
-
of little or no weight, worth, or importance; not worthy of serious notice.
a frivolous suggestion.
- Antonyms:
- weighty
adjective
-
not serious or sensible in content, attitude, or behaviour; silly
a frivolous remark
-
unworthy of serious or sensible treatment; unimportant
frivolous details
Other Word Forms
- frivolously adverb
- frivolousness noun
- unfrivolous adjective
- unfrivolousness noun
Etymology
Origin of frivolous
First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Latin frīvolus “worthless, trifling”; -ous
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The process also helps reduce lawsuits, frivolous or otherwise, which can negatively impact IPO proceeds, according to a 2020 study.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026
New Jersey was once a favorite legal home for corporations, but Delaware supplanted it by establishing specialized business courts and legal rules that protect corporate directors and officers from frivolous lawsuits.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026
Fox’s legal theory is not frivolous, but it is far from a slam dunk.
From Slate • Mar. 11, 2026
"So thank you to all of them. It seems such a frivolous word, but yeah, what else can I say?"
From BBC • Jan. 24, 2026
She thought they were silly and frivolous, and now that they were living at Daffodil Manor they were making even less money each week since their room and board were covered.
From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
