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

Nine curatorial fellowships will be awarded funding of between $27,000 and $50,000, and twenty small-scale organizations will get between $20,000 and $30,000 each. — News Desk, Artforum, 8 July 2026

The Wichita City Council has approved spending nearly $10 million on developing a direct potable reuse program and constructing a small-scale water purification plant to treat wastewater to drinking water standards. — Chance Swaim, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining accounts for the majority of gold extracted in the sprawling country, where safety standards are largely ignored. — Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Fibral identified 51 banana fiber producers and 32 pineapple fiber producers globally, though the report notes that many small-scale and informal operations likely remain undocumented. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 7 July 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