small-scale

adjective

ˈsmȯl-ˈskāl 

1

: small in scope

especially : small in output or operation

2

of a map : having a scale (such as one inch to 25 miles) that permits plotting of comparatively little detail and shows mainly large features

Examples of small-scale in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While effective for small-scale operations, these vessels could transport only a limited number of passengers at a time, making the evacuation process slow and difficult. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026

Technology has now reached the stage where small-scale, portable X-ray devices are commonplace on Earth. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 14 July 2026

Nine curatorial fellowships will be awarded funding of between $27,000 and $50,000, and twenty small-scale organizations will get between $20,000 and $30,000 each. — News Desk, Artforum, 8 July 2026

The Wichita City Council has approved spending nearly $10 million on developing a direct potable reuse program and constructing a small-scale water purification plant to treat wastewater to drinking water standards. — Chance Swaim, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for small-scale

• airmail
• assail
• avail
• bewail
• blackmail
• cattail
• cocktail
• curtail
• derail
• detail
• dovetail
• email