footling
Trifling and silly
Footling means trivial, silly, or of no real importance—usually describing concerns, objections, or activities that waste time on insignificant matters: Stop with these footling complaints and address the real issue.
The word is primarily British and carries a dismissive, slightly exasperated tone.
It derives from the verb footle, meaning to act foolishly or waste time on trifles.
Of no real importance
- piddlingInsignificantly small
- fiddlingAimless, restless manipulation
- frivolousNot worthy of attention
- inconsequentialLacking significance or impact
nugatory · picayune · superficial · lightweight · nonessential · peripheral · inessential · unimportant
Incapable of producing results
- uselessWithout practical value
- ineffectiveLacking power to achieve
- impotentLacking power or efficacy
- powerlessLacking strength or authority
unproductive · fruitless · unavailing · inadequate · unsuccessful · vain · abortive · unprofitable
trifling
Of no real importance
inconsequential · nugatory · picayune · superficial · lightweight · nonessential · peripheral · inessential · unimportant · paltry
futile
Incapable of producing results
- uselessWithout practical value
- ineffectiveLacking power to achieve
- impotentLacking power or efficacy
powerless · unproductive · fruitless · unavailing · inadequate · unsuccessful · vain · abortive · unprofitable · feeble
footlingsignificant
Having notable importance
important · substantial · consequential · momentous · weighty
foot, footing, footstep, footpath, foothold, underfoot, afoot, footman, footer