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

When the settlement cost approaches or exceeds the value of the vehicle, the insurer will typically take ownership and either scrap it, break it up for parts, or fix and sell it again if the damage is minimal. —Jamie Nimmo, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2024

This type of bag can elevate any basic outfit and often looks best with simple, minimal looks. —Essence, 12 Apr. 2024

The organization cited that the physical demand of the sport, lack of opportunities to train, minimal female sponsorships, and expenses remain as potential barriers for young women wanting to race. —Doc Louallen, ABC News, 12 Apr. 2024

After President Rafael Correa kicked the Americans out of a U.S. naval base in Manta in 2009, Ecuador’s coastline of ports was left with minimal protection. —Samantha Schmidt, Washington Post, 12 Apr. 2024

This supportive mattress offers minimal motion transfer and didn’t sink with two people lying down on it. —Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2024

Furthermore, building MVPs (minimal viable products) is no longer enough. —Sarah Davanzo, Rolling Stone, 11 Apr. 2024

And during the summer months, when the state will need more water due to hotter and drier conditions, there will be minimal or no water left in streams and rivers that are fed by melting snow. —Ned Kleiner, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2024

Feadship’s Strategic Roadmap Feadship, long an industry leader, has a plan for net-zero CO2 emission and minimal local pollution impact by 2030. —Kathleen Turner, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing minimal

• sub-minimal
• minimal pair
• minimal brain dysfunction
• minimal art

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