minimal

adjective

min·​i·​mal ˈmi-nə-məl 

1

: relating to or being a minimum: such as

a

: the least possible

a victory won with minimal loss of life

b

: barely adequate

a minimal standard of living

c

: very small or slight

a minimal interest in art

2

often capitalized : of, relating to, or being minimal art or minimalism

minimally

ˈmi-nə-mə-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• fewest
• littlest
• lowest
• minimum
• minutest
• slightest
• smallest
• tiniest

Examples of minimal in a Sentence

The storm caused minimal damage.

areas at minimal risk for flooding

Recent Examples on the Web

Economists are also warning investors that even a few weeks of uncertainty are minimal compared to the market’s overall stability. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024

While the vibration and noise levels were already minimal on previous models, Piaggio says the new engine slashes these even further. —Josh Max, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

However, the difference is minimal between Austin and Louisville, Kentucky, which is 50th on the table, and has 95.8 percent of its residents in debt outside of homeownership. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

Traffic is minimal; instead, monkeys, iguanas, and the occasional jaguar have free reign. —Denny Lee, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing minimal

• minimal art
• minimal brain dysfunction
• minimal pair
• sub-minimal

Kids Definition

minimal

adjective

min·​i·​mal ˈmin-ə-məl 

: relating to or being a minimum : least

minimally

-mə-lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

minimal

adjective

min·​i·​mal ˈmin-ə-məl 

: relating to or being a minimum : constituting the least possible with respect to size, number, degree, or certain stated conditions

tuberosity fractures heal with minimal … treatment

—J. S. Keene et al.

residents receive a minimal level of personal care

—A. S. Oser

side effects are minimal