Nonnegligible vs. Negligible — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 6, 2023
Nonnegligible refers to something significant enough to require consideration, while negligible indicates something so minor that it can be ignored.
Difference Between Nonnegligible and Negligible
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Nonnegligible implies an element or amount that is sufficiently large or important to require attention. It indicates that something has enough impact or value to be considered. On the other hand, negligible refers to something so small, minor, or unimportant that it can be ignored or is not worth considering.
Negligible often describes impacts, differences, or quantities that are so insignificant that they do not make a practical difference. In contrast, nonnegligible is used when such impacts or differences are substantial enough to affect outcomes or decisions. For example, a negligible amount of a substance in a mixture might have no effect on its properties, whereas a nonnegligible amount could change the mixture significantly.
In the financial world, a negligible cost might be overlooked in a large budget, while a nonnegligible cost would need to be accounted for and could influence financial planning. Nonnegligible suggests an amount that must be factored into calculations or assessments, as it could alter the final result or understanding of a situation.
With data analysis, a nonnegligible error rate could compromise the reliability of results, necessitating corrective measures. Conversely, a negligible error rate might be deemed acceptable and not impact the validity of the analysis.
When considering the relevance of information, a nonnegligible fact is one that contributes meaningfully to understanding a topic, while negligible information might be considered trivia, with no substantial bearing on the main subject.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Significant enough to be considered
Insignificant and can be disregarded
Importance
Sufficiently important to affect outcomes
Lacks sufficient importance to affect outcomes
Quantitative Impact
Has a measurable impact
Impact is so small it’s often immeasurable
Decision Making
Factors into decisions and planning
Generally overlooked in decisions
Usage in Context
Used when something demands attention
Used when something is ignorable
Compare with Definitions
Nonnegligible
Having a meaningful impact on a situation or outcome.
The team's defense made a nonnegligible contribution to their win.
Negligible
Insignificant, having little to no consequence.
The impact of the policy change on our operations was negligible.
Nonnegligible
Important enough to be worthy of attention.
The scientist found a nonnegligible correlation between the two variables.
Negligible
So small or unimportant as to be not worth considering.
The difference in weight was negligible, so we didn't recalibrate the scale.
Nonnegligible
Large enough to be significant.
The nonnegligible amount of errors in the data called for a complete review.
Negligible
Not enough to be worth measuring or counting.
The pollutants in the water were present in negligible amounts.
Nonnegligible
Not small enough to ignore.
There's a nonnegligible chance of rain, so bring an umbrella.
Negligible
Of no practical importance or relevance.
The cost was negligible compared to the total budget of the project.
Nonnegligible
Noticeable and considerable in extent.
The budget changes will have a nonnegligible effect on the project.
Negligible
Trivial or of such a low level that it can be disregarded.
Her familiarity with the topic was negligible, so she began to research more.
Nonnegligible
Not negligible.
Negligible
Not significant or important enough to be worth considering; trifling.
Negligible
Able to be neglected, ignored or excluded from consideration; too small or unimportant to be of concern.
We found errors, but their effects were negligible.
Negligible
That may be neglected, disregarded, or left out of consideration; too small or unimportant to be worthy of notice.
Within very negligible limits of error.
Negligible
So small as to be meaningless; insignificant;
The effect was negligible
Negligible
Not worth considering;
He considered the prize too paltry for the lives it must cost
Piffling efforts
A trifling matter
Common Curiosities
Can 'negligible' be used to describe risk?
Yes, negligible risk means the risk is so small that it can be ignored.
Can the importance of a fact be 'nonnegligible'?
Yes, if a fact significantly affects understanding or decision-making, it is nonnegligible.
What does 'nonnegligible' mean?
Nonnegligible refers to something significant enough to be worthy of attention or consideration.
Are 'nonnegligible' and 'significant' synonyms?
They are similar but not always direct synonyms; nonnegligible indicates importance, while significant often implies a greater degree of importance.
What's an example of a 'negligible' amount?
An example would be a few cents off a large financial transaction; this would be a negligible amount.
How does 'negligible' relate to statistical significance?
In statistics, negligible effects are those not considered statistically significant.
Is 'negligible' a negative term?
Negligible is not necessarily negative; it simply indicates something is of little consequence.
Is 'nonnegligible' a commonly used term?
Nonnegligible is less common than negligible but used in specific contexts where impact is considerable.
Is 'negligible' always about size or quantity?
Negligible often refers to size or quantity, but it can also relate to importance or impact.
Does 'nonnegligible' have a different meaning in legal contexts?
In legal contexts, nonnegligible would still mean significant, but with a focus on impact on legal outcomes.
Is it 'non-negligible' or 'nonnegligible'?
Both forms are correct, but nonnegligible is often preferred for simplicity.
Could 'nonnegligible' refer to positive impacts?
Yes, nonnegligible can refer to significant positive impacts or contributions.
Can something be 'nonnegligible' in one context but 'negligible' in another?
Yes, significance can be context-dependent; what is nonnegligible in one scenario may be negligible in another.
How does one decide if something is 'nonnegligible'?
Determining if something is nonnegligible involves assessing its impact or importance in the given context.
What is the antonym of 'negligible'?
Antonyms of negligible include significant, considerable, or nonnegligible.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
