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

One example of a surprising fashion show led to interaction with guests presenting the spring 2024 collection in Milan, when staff members handed envelopes to attendees seated in the two grandstands facing a minimal black set. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 21 June 2026

The robot is powered by an electric battery, and designed to work either by navigating on rails or on smooth concrete floors, with minimal or no re-design of the infrastructure. — Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026

Some trees provide fruit, fragrance, or year-round beauty with minimal care. — Steve Bender, Southern Living, 21 June 2026

Bold, Maximalist Rugs For more maximalist homes (and even those that lean minimal), a bold rug is a worthwhile investment. — Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 21 June 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