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 White House has repeatedly withheld money previously appropriated by Congress, with minimal pushback from GOP lawmakers. —Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025

Initial jobless claims indicate only a minimal pickup in layoffs and/or deterioration in labor conditions at present, a positive dynamic. —Jeffrey Schulze, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

An evergreen lawn alternative known as Kurapia (Phyla nodiflora) is not in the grass family, but has a mat-like growth habit and a minimal water requirement. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025

In the simulation, the trees were arranged along the site’s boundary and a central hiking trail with a 65 feet (20-meter) spacing to show how they could be integrated with minimal impact. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 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