1 immaterial | Definition of immaterial

immaterial

adjective
im·​ma·​te·​ri·​al | \ ËŒi-mÉ™-ˈtir-Ä“-É™l How to pronounce immaterial (audio) \

Definition of immaterial

1 : not consisting of matter : incorporeal
2 : of no substantial consequence : unimportant

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Examples of immaterial in a Sentence

Whether or not he intended to cause problems is immaterial. The fact that she is a woman is immaterial and irrelevant.

Recent Examples on the Web

As a practical matter, Ford’s lack of NCAA certification was immaterial. Michael Mccann, SI.com, "What's Next in Zion Williamson's Extended Federal Lawsuit?," 22 Aug. 2019 The reputed presence of Xi, who this holiday season may face some tough decisions on the future of Hong Kong, was immaterial to the crowds, who would never catch a glimpse of him anyway. Jane Perlez, BostonGlobe.com, "At Mao’s beach, China’s leaders still make history as lifeguards hide from the sun," 22 Aug. 2019 The tragic details of Pocahontas’ life some 400 years ago are immaterial to Trump. Eric Zorn, chicagotribune.com, "Column: If Elizabeth Warren is ‘Pocahontas,’ then Donald Trump is ‘Caligula,’ the sociopathic tyrant of Rome," 16 Aug. 2019 Where a legal will transfers assets, an ethical will transfers immaterial things: your life lessons and values. Bj Miller, Time, "Why You Need to Make a 'When I Die' File—Before It's Too Late," 1 Aug. 2019 To neighbors, as well as nearby businesses and their patrons, who’s in charge is immaterial if the spas continue as fronts for trafficking and prostitution. USA Today, "Sex trafficking is behind the lucrative illicit massage business. Why police can't stop it.," 30 July 2019 Twenty years of work were completely immaterial, amounting to nothing, and did not move anyone to any great emotion. Carlos Salgado, Los Angeles Times, "Taco María’s Carlos Salgado on becoming a chef," 22 July 2019 Prosecutors would charge that DeAngelo’s missteps were irrelevant and immaterial in relationship to the Dawkins investigation. Michael Mccann, SI.com, "Examining the NCAA Probe: Did the FBI Unfairly Target Christian Dawkins?," 23 May 2018 But for number 17—a tribute to his favorite players, Dustin Pedroia (number 15) and Derek Jeter (number 2)—those differences are immaterial. Joan Niesen, SI.com, "Bobby Witt Jr. Wins Gatorade's 2019 National Male Athlete of the Year," 10 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'immaterial.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of immaterial

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for immaterial

Middle English immaterial, from Late Latin immaterialis, from Latin in- + Late Latin materialis material

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More Definitions for immaterial

immaterial

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of immaterial

: not important or significant

immaterial

adjective
im·​ma·​te·​ri·​al | \ ËŒi-mÉ™-ˈtir-Ä“-É™l How to pronounce immaterial (audio) \

Kids Definition of immaterial

: not important : insignificant The new evidence is immaterial.

immaterial

adjective
im·​ma·​te·​ri·​al | \ ËŒi-mÉ™-ˈtir-Ä“-É™l How to pronounce immaterial (audio) \

Legal Definition of immaterial

: not essential, pertinent, or of consequence the jury could have discounted the medical history evidence, or while accepting its accuracy, found it immaterialWillett v. State, 911 S.W.2d 937 (1995) — compare irrelevant

Other Words from immaterial

immateriality \ ËŒi-​mÉ™-​ËŒtir-​Ä“-​ˈa-​lÉ™-​tÄ“ How to pronounce immateriality (audio) \ noun

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