What does insignificantly mean?
Insignificantly means in a way that is too small, unimportant, or weak to produce a meaningful difference. It is especially common in academic, scientific, and statistical contexts, where a result may be described as differing insignificantly from another result or having an insignificantly small effect. The word does not necessarily mean that nothing happened; rather, it indicates that the change was negligible in the context being discussed. Its careful, formal tone can contrast with more conversational alternatives such as “barely” or “not really.” Understanding it is useful when reading comparative claims, evaluating research findings, or describing changes whose practical significance is limited.
adverbIn a way that is not significant, important, or large enough to make a meaningful difference. It can describe a negligible effect, a very small amount, or a change that is not statistically or practically important.
- In a way that is unimportant, negligible, or too small to make a meaningful difference.
"The revised design improved the app’s performance insignificantly, making the update difficult to justify."
"The two groups performed insignificantly differently in the final trial."
"Her attendance was insignificantly lower than that of the previous cohort."
Sometimes the most revealing word in a report is the one that says a change barely mattered.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does insignificantly come from?
The word is formed in English from the prefix in-, meaning “not,” and the root shared with significant and signify. These elements ultimately relate to Latin insignis, meaning “not distinguished” or “unremarkable,” and to signum, meaning a mark or sign. The modern form reflects the development of a Latin-derived vocabulary of marking, distinction, and importance into English.
Related word forms
How insignificantly is actually used
This is a formal or technical adverb, especially common in academic, statistical, and analytical writing. It is often used with comparatives, measurements, and descriptions of effects.
Easily confused with insignificantly
Insignificantly means that an effect is too small to be important, while significantly means that it is important or substantial.