insignificance

noun

in·sig·nif·i·cance ˌin(t)-sig-ˈni-fi-kən(t)s

Synonyms of insignificance next

: 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 But there lies the rub, because Big Business lobbies have done everything in their power to challenge the OSHA process and ensure that whatever standard finally emerges will be shot through with loopholes and diluted into insignificance. —

Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2023 The solution, the filmmaker argues, is a spiritual communion with the unknown, because there’s healing in surrendering to one’s perfect insignificance as part of something bigger. —

Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2023 The show’s decision to end the series with someone who is not a Roy in name or blood as the CEO of the life-consuming corportate firm at the center of its drama is indicative of its insignificance. —

Carrie Wittmer, Men's Health, 29 May 2023 There was no greater view than that of the Earth from the International Space Station (ISS), as no other gave such a feeling of insignificance – the petty problems, the constant fears of the unknown, the overwhelming exhaustion of never living up to a grander purpose. —

Cathrine Todd, Forbes, 20 Apr. 2023 President Mahmoud Abbas has little to no interest in resuming governance of the Gaza Strip, Hamas seems increasingly content to do nothing else, and the political influence of Palestinian communities in exile in national decision-making has declined to virtual insignificance. —

Mouin Rabbani, Time, 13 May 2021 The strategies that are NOT effective include, tiptoeing around, agreeing – (thereby fueling the rage), apologizing (which justifies her feeling offended), trying to provide insight into the insignificance of the problem, trying to be understanding, or trying to ignore it. —

Amy Dickinson, Detroit Free Press, 24 Feb. 2021 Upstairs, an enormous pool invites you to swim from inside to outside via a silent sliding glass wall and ponder your insignificance against the enormity of Mother Nature (while getting a nice bubble massage from the whirlpool seats dotted around under the water line). —

Duncan Madden, Forbes, 19 May 2022 Later in the story, the editor, Julius Krebs Damsbo, will cycle through the seasons in a few brief still-frame montages, focusing on a stretch of wilderness or a dead horse’s remains, as if to remind us of the impermanence and cosmic insignificance of all living things. —

Justin Changfilm Critic, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insignificance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of insignificance was in 1699

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Insignificance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insignificance. Accessed 26 Sep. 2023.

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