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

• 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

Though the damage was minimal, the USGA later confirmed he was fined an undisclosed amount for violating Rule 1.2a, which governs player conduct. —Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025

When there's minimal to no oxygen, the spores can flourish. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 27 June 2025

For those just starting to experiment with summer trends, his advice is to keep it minimal. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 27 June 2025

But the escort ships did not aid with navigation or the dugout captain's decision-making, and the authors believe that any effects were likely minimal. —ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025

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