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 new vehicles operate in sectors with minimal regulation, enabling flows of money that are faster and harder to trace than traditional real estate deals. —Zach Everson, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025

If a kid is a violent kid, and the kid is being let off with multiple warnings and minimal disciplinary consequences after giving every indication of being violent and dangerous, that violence and that danger may not stay inside of the building. —Holly Yan, CNN Money, 10 May 2025

This time, Markle remained on-theme in Carolina Herrera's Off-The-Shoulder Ruched Denim Midi Dress, topping off the denim look with minimal jewelry and her signature pinkish-white manicure. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 10 May 2025

Maintaining human oversight of AI is crucial, especially with the rise of agentic AI, which can perform complex tasks with minimal supervision. —Grace Yee, Harvard Business Review, 9 May 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