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

Despite facing heavier boxes because of a passing game centered on quick throws and minimal deep shots, the Falcons’ run game found success. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Google Ads prohibits unrealistic promises of large financial returns with minimal risk, effort or investment, and its misrepresentation policy requires advertisers to provide information users need to make informed decisions. — David Ispiryan, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026

To help your cat adjust, start them in a small space with minimal exposure like a bathroom, Dresser and Butler suggested. — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

The multihyphenate has famously stuck to a minimal makeup formula and did so at the TWP presentation on Thursday. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 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