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

• fewest
• littlest
• lowest
• minimum
• minutest
• slightest
• smallest
• tiniest

Examples of minimal in a Sentence

The storm caused minimal damage.

areas at minimal risk for flooding

Recent Examples on the Web

These tools empower business users to build applications with minimal or no coding, accelerating the democratization of software development and redefining how IT infrastructure is managed. —Diwakar Dwivedi, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

The light and shadows created through architectural lines allow for the space to be read as minimal and clean instead of cold or boring. —Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 29 Apr. 2025

From an earnings standpoint, the direct impact of the court case over this quarter is expected to be minimal. —Shannon Carroll, Quartz, 29 Apr. 2025

Novogratz Brittany Vegan Leather Convertible Sofa If space is minimal, two-in-one furniture finds, like this convertible sofa from Novogratz, are a smart buy. —Ali Faccenda, People.com, 28 Apr. 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