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

While her area receives minimal rainfall most of the year, drought conditions can happen anywhere in the country. —Elizabeth Jardina, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026

By combining artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and advanced electronic warfare capabilities, the company is helping shape the future of modern warfare—one where decisions are made faster, systems are more resilient, and missions are executed with minimal human intervention. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 19 Apr. 2026

Numerous agents across the NFL landscape share similar stories of minimal pre-draft communication with this Broncos regime before their client suddenly received a call from Sean Payton. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026

The company representative said all that's necessary to start hauling for them is federal authorization, which requires proof of minimal insurance and paying a $300 fee online. —Michael Kaplan, CBS News, 19 Apr. 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