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

Other Word Forms

• frivolously adverb
• frivolousness noun
• unfrivolous adjective
• unfrivolousness 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

He suggested the central pair's friendship "rings false", adding: "What should be piercing, impassioned moments are by turns frivolous and sappy."

Read more on BBC

On the other hand, despite his party's own track record on the issue, Modi has in the past warned of the dangers of "revdi culture" - likening election giveaways to the frivolous distribution of sweets.

Read more on BBC

Far from frivolous or faddish, Charlotte was the kind of hyperefficient co-worker whose organizational skills—her color coding alone!—dazzled and shamed me when we worked together in the ’90s.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Play is a fitting way to describe Atencio’s contributions to two of Disneyland’s most beloved attractions, where pirates and ghosts are captured at their most frivolous and jovial.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Seldomly about our book projects — but everything else, from the serious to the frivolous.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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