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

Even once the big-name brands recognized the needs of those with darker complexions, their offerings were minimal at best or persistently unsuited to their customers at worst. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026

Working through the pandemic, the small team was free to innovate, with minimal institutional pushback. —Jon McNeill, Big Think, 25 Mar. 2026

Current concentrations in seafood are generally low and pose minimal risk to consumers under normal exposure scenarios. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 Mar. 2026

Uniqlo offers minimal, durable denim with excellent fabric quality under fifty dollars. —Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 24 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