small-scale

adjective

ˈsmȯl-ˈskāl 

1

: small in scope

especially : small in output or operation

2

of a map : having a scale (such as one inch to 25 miles) that permits plotting of comparatively little detail and shows mainly large features

Examples of small-scale in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Columbia report considered various scenarios, including small-scale hostilities in the Gulf and a major war that closed the Strait of Hormuz and drew in other countries in the region. —John Cassidy, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026

Artisanal mine collapses are common in the Central African Republic, where several thousand people work in small-scale extraction mining. —ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026

Some small-scale developers found the costs pushed by code too onerous, driving up prices for homes. —Mark Dee march 12, Idaho Statesman, 12 Mar. 2026

Meteorologists note the possibility of small-scale spin-ups along the leading edge, meaning any tornadoes that form are likely to be isolated. —Brandi D. Addison, Des Moines Register, 6 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for small-scale

• airmail
• assail
• avail
• bewail
• blackmail
• cattail
• cocktail
• curtail
• derail
• detail
• dovetail
• email