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 Minimal : of, relating to, or being minimal art or minimalism

minimally

ˈmi-nə-mə-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of minimal

• slightest
• minimum
• lowest
• smallest
• small

Examples of minimal in a Sentence

The storm caused minimal damage.

areas at minimal risk for flooding

Recent Examples on the Web

The rooms The rooms at Hotel June Malibu are minimal but effortlessly cool, each centered around a king-sized bed (with a Casper mattress) that’s bliss after a day of sun and surf. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026

By end of day my skin still looks like skin, with no flakes and minimal buildup. —Grace McCarty, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2026

With minimal manipulation, a 5th starter might be needed as few as six times in those first 40 games, so there would be other occasions when both Rocker and Latz would also be available to pitch in multi-inning relief at a time when all starters are likely to be on more restrictive pitch counts. —Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026

Minimal downtime, no numbing required, and results build over time. —Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 18 Mar. 2026

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