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

In addition to the often brash aesthetic of that era's top sellers, Coach has been making high-quality pieces for decades with a more minimal, timeless approach. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

Through evocative full-color illustrations and minimal text, readers meet a girl who feels alone in the world. — Literary Hub, 2 Nov. 2026

And her minimal political experience has generated criticism in recent months. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 2 Nov. 2026

So fill a surface with words, more words and larger words than are necessary; fill a surface with something—anything—that achieves a minimal degree of individuation as well as commercial persuasion. — Alec Mapes-Frances, Artforum, 1 Nov. 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