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

Guests value the stress-free, predictable costs and minimal planning. — Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

This sleek cutout slide is crafted from smooth Italian leather and designed to elevate warm‑weather outfits with minimal effort. — Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 31 July 2026

Applying this rule to back-to-school clothes, summer swimwear, and winter boots takes minimal extra effort (plus a little storage space) and slashes kid clothing budgets in half. — Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 31 July 2026

The crust achieves that perfect balance of char and chew, and the toppings are minimal but impeccable. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 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