The meaning of PETTY is having secondary rank or importance : minor, subordinate. How to use petty in a sentence.

Definition of petty adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

If you describe someone's behavior as petty, you mean that they care too much about small, unimportant things and perhaps that they are unnecessarily unkind.

1. of little or no importance; inconsequential: petty grievances. 2. of lesser importance or merit; minor: petty considerations. 3. having or showing narrow ideas, interests, etc.: petty minds. 4. ungenerous …

petty adjective (SELFISH) selfish and mean, esp. because of having too much interest in small and unimportant matters:

Nov 14, 2025 · Adjective petty (comparative pettier or more petty, superlative pettiest or most petty) (often derogatory) Having little or no importance. [from 16th c.]

Petty definition: Of small importance; trivial.

The word 'petty' originated from the Middle English word 'petit', which means small or insignificant. Over time, its meaning evolved to include the idea of being overly concerned with trivial matters.

Petty, paltry, trifling, trivial apply to something that is so insignificant as to be almost unworthy of notice. Petty implies contemptible insignificance and littleness, inferiority and small worth: petty quarrels.

petty meaning, definition, what is petty: a petty problem, detail etc is small and...: Learn more.