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

With the technology now proven in small-scale devices, Professor Guo believes the superwicking system is inherently scalable, offering a dual solution to improve global access to drinking water and to build sustainable supply chains for critical minerals. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 May 2026

There are still small-scale queries people can run on their own without Dune. —Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 26 May 2026

With the launch of its CraftLab Generators, Atomm is targeting a growing audience of makers and small-scale producers who want to create customized, physical products without the overhead of complex design tools. —New Atlas, 24 May 2026

Grisebach’s fourth feature is just such a marvel, a verité social drama, cast with non-professionals, that from the improvisational immediacy of small-scale real life, gradually gathers all the elements of a sprawling crime epic. —Jessica Kiang, Variety, 22 May 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