modicum

noun

mo·​di·​cum ˈmä-di-kəm 

 also  ˈmō-

: a small portion : a limited quantity

had only a modicum of mathematical skills

Did you know?

The Origins of Modicum Can Be Found in the Bathroom

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the English language has more than a modicum of words referring to a small amount of something—it has oodles, from smidgen to soupçon. But while modicum can be applied to countable or physical things (like words or salt) it is almost always applied instead to abstract concepts like respect, success, control, hope, dignity, or privacy. Modicum traces back to the Latin noun modus, meaning “measure,” which just so happens to be the ancestor of more than a modicum of English words, from moderate and modify to mold and commode.

Synonyms

• damn
• whit
• lick
• shred
• hoot
• little

Examples of modicum in a Sentence

only a modicum of skill is necessary to put the kit together

Recent Examples on the Web

During the war, the clans provided a modicum of economic support to desperate members. —Bobby Ghosh, Time, 16 Oct. 2025

Like so many of us, Ron basically wants to get through the day with a modicum of pride in his job and come home to a stress-free environment. —Julie Hinds, Freep.com, 10 Oct. 2025

Under gentle prodding from the directors, Hersh offers a modicum of words about his long-term union with Elizabeth Klein, a psychoanalyst to whom he has been married for more than 60 years. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025

An upset against over one of the better AFC teams in the Chargers would be the only way to inject a modicum of hope into the fan base. —Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, neuter of modicus moderate, from modus measure

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

modicum

noun

mo·​di·​cum ˈmäd-i-kəm 

ˈmōd-

: a small amount

anyone with a modicum of intelligence would understand