triviality

/ˌtrɪviˈæləti/

Other forms: trivialities

Triviality is a quality of being unimportant or insignificant. You might dislike most reality TV shows because of their triviality, preferring to watch documentaries about serious subjects.

You can also use the word triviality to mean an unimportant detail: "Let's discuss world peace instead of focusing on trivialities like what's for lunch or which celebrities are getting divorced!" It comes from the Latin word trivium, which means "commonplace," but also "crossroads." Literally, it's a combination of tri, or "three," and via, "road." Hence, a trivium is an oh-so-ordinary "place where three roads meet."

Definitions of triviality

1. noun

   a detail that is considered insignificant
   synonyms: technicality, trifle

   type of:

   detail, item, point

   an isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole
2. noun

   something of small importance
   synonyms: small beer, trifle, trivia

   types:

   bagatelle, fluff, folderol, frippery, frivolity

   something of little value or significance

   type of:

   object, physical object

   a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
3. noun

   the quality of being unimportant and petty or frivolous
   synonyms: pettiness, puniness, slightness

   types:

   joke

   a triviality not to be taken seriously

   type of:

   unimportance

   the quality of not being important or worthy of note