frivolous

adjective

friv·o·lous ˈfri-və-ləs How to pronounce frivolous (audio)

: of little weight or importance

She thinks window shopping is a frivolous activity.

: having no sound basis (as in fact or law)

a frivolous lawsuit

: lacking in seriousness

a frivolous conversation

: marked by unbecoming levity

was criticized for his frivolous behavior in court

frivolously adverb

frivolousness noun

Did you know?

A Serious Discussion About the Meaning of Frivolous

The word frivolous is applied to things that don't deserve serious attention—though in some cases a thing described as "frivolous" is serious enough to be a legal matter.

In its most basic, and oldest, uses, frivolous simply describes things of little importance. You can refer to anything you don't find worthwhile—from silly products to outrageous forms of entertainment to goofy pursuits—as "frivolous." Something that in a more technical sense lacks seriousness can also be described with the word; a frivolous essay or book isn't dealing with important topics or ideas. In applying the word frivolous to something, you're saying it doesn't deserve serious attention.

The word frivolous gets more serious when it's applied, as it often is, to legal matters. If a lawsuit is said to be frivolous, it cannot be successfully argued (because, for example, a successful argument would require that a widely rejected legal theory be accepted) or that laws—or the facts—don't support it.

Example Sentences

She knew that people might think her frivolous, Kitty said, to talk to some saint when she had a cooking disaster, but that was what she really believed the saints were there for.

Alice Munro, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2001 As the Explorer quickly became the most popular SUV of all time … a number of lawsuits concerning the Firestone tires were filed, the first in 1992. But Ford and Firestone, like most companies in today's … society, tend to assume that the bulk of legal actions are frivolous.

Daniel Eisenberg, Time, 11 Sept. 2000 There is no frivolous decoration, no canned music, nothing but the essentials—well-worn cutlery and table linen, unpretentious glasses.

Peter Mayle, GQ, May 1998 She thinks window shopping is a frivolous activity. judges are getting sick of people bringing frivolous lawsuits

Recent Examples on the Web Put on something pretty and frivolous, order the French Dispatch (a gin, berry, and bubbly creation), and congratulate yourself for knowing what a wildly cool city this is.

Dana Mcmahan, The Courier-Journal, 30 Aug. 2022 But we are left to wonder whether these claims were legitimate or frivolous.

Marc Weingarten, WSJ, 4 Aug. 2022 Statements cannot be abusive, disruptive, harassing, frivolous or repetitive.

Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 15 July 2022 The Show 8 is relatively compact, but there's enough screen to allow for the fun and frivolous features of a smart display, like viewing recipes or song lyrics.

Wired, 9 July 2022 As a constitutional and factual matter, this was an outrageous and frivolous claim, and the Court quickly said that Texas had no standing to bring the case.

Amy Davidson Sorkin, The New Yorker, 1 July 2022 There are no provisions in the bill creating penalties for people who bring frivolous or abusive challenges against female athletes.

Peter Greene, Forbes, 3 June 2022 LaFrance has not reviewed the letter but said even a legal claim under the Lanham Act, the federal statute that governs copyright and unfair competition, appears weak or even frivolous.

Kim Bellware, Washington Post, 2 June 2022 Cannes, known for being both high-minded and frivolous, has perhaps grown slightly more sober.

Jake Coyle, ajc, 14 May 2022 See More

Legal Definition

frivolous

adjective

friv·o·lous ˈfri-və-ləs How to pronounce frivolous (audio)

: lacking in any arguable basis or merit in either law or fact

Note: In an attempt to discourage frivolous lawsuits, Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure requires the signature of an attorney or party on any pleading, motion, or other paper to certify that to the signer's knowledge it is grounded in fact and warranted by law or otherwise brought in good faith and not for an improper purpose. A court is authorized to impose sanctions for violation of the rule.

单词	frivolousness
释义	frivolous adjective friv·o·lous ˈfri-və-ləs 1 a : of little weight or importance She thinks window shopping is a frivolous activity. b : having no sound basis (as in fact or law) a frivolous lawsuit 2 a : lacking in seriousness a frivolous conversation b : marked by unbecoming levity was criticized for his frivolous behavior in court frivolously adverb frivolousness noun Did you know? A Serious Discussion About the Meaning of Frivolous The word frivolous is applied to things that don't deserve serious attention—though in some cases a thing described as "frivolous" is serious enough to be a legal matter. In its most basic, and oldest, uses, frivolous simply describes things of little importance. You can refer to anything you don't find worthwhile—from silly products to outrageous forms of entertainment to goofy pursuits—as "frivolous." Something that in a more technical sense lacks seriousness can also be described with the word; a frivolous essay or book isn't dealing with important topics or ideas. In applying the word frivolous to something, you're saying it doesn't deserve serious attention. The word frivolous gets more serious when it's applied, as it often is, to legal matters. If a lawsuit is said to be frivolous, it cannot be successfully argued (because, for example, a successful argument would require that a widely rejected legal theory be accepted) or that laws—or the facts—don't support it. Synonyms fiddling foolish incidental inconsequential inconsiderable insignificant little Mickey Mouse minor minute negligible nugatory slight small small-fry trifling trivial unimportant See all Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences She knew that people might think her frivolous, Kitty said, to talk to some saint when she had a cooking disaster, but that was what she really believed the saints were there for. Alice Munro, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2001 As the Explorer quickly became the most popular SUV of all time … a number of lawsuits concerning the Firestone tires were filed, the first in 1992. But Ford and Firestone, like most companies in today's … society, tend to assume that the bulk of legal actions are frivolous. Daniel Eisenberg, Time, 11 Sept. 2000 There is no frivolous decoration, no canned music, nothing but the essentials—well-worn cutlery and table linen, unpretentious glasses. Peter Mayle, GQ, May 1998 She thinks window shopping is a frivolous activity. judges are getting sick of people bringing frivolous lawsuits Recent Examples on the Web Put on something pretty and frivolous, order the French Dispatch (a gin, berry, and bubbly creation), and congratulate yourself for knowing what a wildly cool city this is. Dana Mcmahan, The Courier-Journal, 30 Aug. 2022 But we are left to wonder whether these claims were legitimate or frivolous. Marc Weingarten, WSJ, 4 Aug. 2022 Statements cannot be abusive, disruptive, harassing, frivolous or repetitive. Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 15 July 2022 The Show 8 is relatively compact, but there's enough screen to allow for the fun and frivolous features of a smart display, like viewing recipes or song lyrics. Wired, 9 July 2022 As a constitutional and factual matter, this was an outrageous and frivolous claim, and the Court quickly said that Texas had no standing to bring the case. Amy Davidson Sorkin, The New Yorker, 1 July 2022 There are no provisions in the bill creating penalties for people who bring frivolous or abusive challenges against female athletes. Peter Greene, Forbes, 3 June 2022 LaFrance has not reviewed the letter but said even a legal claim under the Lanham Act, the federal statute that governs copyright and unfair competition, appears weak or even frivolous. Kim Bellware, Washington Post, 2 June 2022 Cannes, known for being both high-minded and frivolous, has perhaps grown slightly more sober. Jake Coyle, ajc, 14 May 2022 See More Word History Etymology Middle English, from Latin frivolus First Known Use 15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a Kids Definition frivolous adjective friv·o·lous ˈfri-və-ləs 1 : of little importance : trivial a frivolous matter 2 : lacking in seriousness a frivolous boyfriend Legal Definition frivolous adjective friv·o·lous ˈfri-və-ləs : lacking in any arguable basis or merit in either law or fact Note: In an attempt to discourage frivolous lawsuits, Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure requires the signature of an attorney or party on any pleading, motion, or other paper to certify that to the signer's knowledge it is grounded in fact and warranted by law or otherwise brought in good faith and not for an improper purpose. A court is authorized to impose sanctions for violation of the rule. frivolousness noun as in lightness a lack of seriousness often at an improper time his childish frivolousness at the awards ceremony wasn't appreciated by anyone Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance lightness silliness frivolity cheerfulness glee flippancy levity facetiousness flightiness festivity childishness frothiness mirth lightheartedness goofiness cheer mirthfulness joviality hilarity light-mindedness puerility merriment gaiety gleefulness light-headedness gayety high-spiritedness Antonyms & Near Antonyms seriousness earnestness gravity solemnity soberness unhappiness solemnness melancholy sadness moroseness dejection sullenness gloominess gloom depression despondency joylessness heartsickness downheartedness dispiritedness mopes See More
随便看	Friendship sloop friendships Friendswood frier friers fries Fries reaction Friesian friesians Friesland frieze frieze rail friezed friezelike friezes friezing friezy frig frigate frigate bird frigate mackerel frigate-built frigates frigatoons frigefact

frivolous

adjective

Did you know?

Synonyms

Example Sentences

Word History

Kids Definition

adjective

Legal Definition

adjective

noun