Definition of FRIVOLOUS (original) (raw)
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)
2
a
: lacking in seriousness
b
: marked by unbecoming levity
was criticized for his frivolous behavior in court
Did you know?
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
Examples of frivolous in a Sentence
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
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.
The network has contended that its news decisions are fully protected by the First Amendment, and a number of legal observers see the lawsuit as frivolous. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 31 Jan. 2025 The act would slash red tape that holds up forest restoration projects; promote collaboration and partnerships to conduct restoration work; and deter frivolous lawsuits that delay essential projects. —Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025 However, the 11-track work is not rooted in frivolous motivations. —Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 9 Jan. 2025 James's oncologist seemed embarrassed and dodged her questions, which left her feeling both frivolous and ignored. —Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 19 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for frivolous 
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Latin frivolus
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of frivolous was in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near frivolous
Cite this Entry
“Frivolous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frivolous. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 4 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences
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