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 community solar project, where small-scale arrays would allow low-income residents to subscribe to get monthly credits on their utility bill, offers a new source of steady revenue for Covert, a former dairy farmer who was treated for cancer in the last year and struggled to work as a result. —Ayurella Horn-Muller, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026

However, researchers are optimistic that a small-scale experimental demonstration could be possible in the future. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026

To document how those policy changes are affecting farmers, The Associated Press and Grist analyzed data on both commercial-scale solar projects and small-scale rural energy development across the country. —ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026

This doesn't bode well for large or small-scale woodworking projects, from DIY birdhouses to picnic tables. —Maddie Topliff, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 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