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

Designing out complexity Aurelia develops small-scale gas turbines designed to operate efficiently while accommodating multiple fuel types. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026

This small-scale experiment — and the goal to scale it — comes as LAUSD embarks on an ambitious plan to broaden its early education footprint, an initiative unanimously approved by the school board in April. —Kate Sequeira, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026

Community solar refers to small-scale solar installations built on unused farmland or commercial rooftops. —Chris Ward, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2026

Miami-Dade County is short about 90,000 units of affordable housing, and the small-scale developer program aims to help prevent displacement in gentrifying neighborhoods like Overtown and Allapattah. —Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 3 June 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