negligible

Everyday

1. So small or unimportant that it is not worth thinking about: a negligible amount. tree →
2. (maths, science) Small enough to be ignored in a calculation. tree →

In the lessons

In science and maths, «negligible» lets us ignore something tiny, such as air resistance on a small ball or a very small cost. In everyday life: «the difference is negligible». Formal word, common in exams. Phrases: negligible amount, negligible effect, negligible risk.

Examples

• The extra cost was negligible. tree →
• Air resistance is negligible for this experiment. tree →
• The difference between the two answers is negligible. tree →
• The risk of a shark attack at that beach is negligible. tree →
• The damage to the car was negligible. tree →
• The weight of the paper clip is negligible compared with the box. tree →
• The new rule had a negligible effect on lateness. tree →

Note

Formal; casual talk: «tiny», «hardly any». In maths problems, a negligible quantity is treated as zero. Spelling: -ible, not -able. Do not confuse with «negligent» (careless).