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

Over time, demand declined as preferences shifted toward French and Portuguese wines, and the industry contracted to small-scale local production. —Emily Price, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026

The Neighborhood Homes for All of Us initiative is one of several actions aimed at creating opportunities for more small-scale homes in areas currently zoned for single-family homes, while enhancing San Diego’s unique communities. —Heidi Vonblum, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026

But no normal administration would contemplate a military response to such small-scale disorder. —Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2026

Puruña Stone Forest, Pillones Waterfalls A surreal landscape apt for fantasy and genre projects, the Puruña stone forest, a two to three-hour drive from Arequipa city, offers a small-scale version of Turkey’s Cappadocia and its otherworldly rock formations. —Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 19 Jan. 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