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

• 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

The statement was kept minimal to attract a broad and diverse set of signatories. —Billy Perrigo, Time, 22 Oct. 2025

Snowfall will be minimal, limited to northern New England, the Upper Midwest, high elevations in the Intermountain West, and parts of Alaska where travel could be impacted. —Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 22 Oct. 2025

Tucker also has a minimal chance as the combination of his games missed and the other candidates having better seasons gives him quite the uphill battle to win the award. —Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025

The actress kept her accessories minimal and wore her hair in a glamorous curly style. —Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 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