insignificance

noun

in·​sig·​nif·​i·​cance ˌin(t)-sig-ˈni-fi-kən(t)s How to pronounce insignificance (audio)
: the quality or state of being insignificant

Examples of insignificance in a Sentence

a tabloid newspaper devoted to people and events of astonishing insignificance
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ultimately, however, the most serious way to critique the Nobel Peace Prize is not to complain about the Nobel committee's biases but to note the historical insignificance of so many of the prize's winners. Walter Russell Mead, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2012 In 1995, Brian Dollery, David Schulze, and Leigh West produced a scathing report on the swaps, pointing to their typically low value (and therefore financial insignificance) and their lack of incentive structure for financing institutions. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 26 July 2024 But the film makes its own insignificance a virtue, then uses that to slip us into an unexpectedly moving story. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2024 For one thing, there was the sheer, unexpected scale of the rout: Modi’s coalition won such a commanding majority that the Congress Party, which had ruled India with few interruptions since independence, was driven into near insignificance. Mohammad Ali, WIRED, 14 Apr. 2020 See all Example Sentences for insignificance 

Word History

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insignificance was in 1699

Dictionary Entries Near insignificance

Cite this Entry

“Insignificance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insignificance. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

insignificance

noun
in·​sig·​nif·​i·​cance ˌin(t)-sig-ˈnif-i-kən(t)s How to pronounce insignificance (audio)
: the quality or state of being insignificant

More from Merriam-Webster on insignificance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!