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

This systematic integration of DPI means that a small-scale weaver in India or an artisan in Egypt can plug directly into a multi-nation marketplace without navigating complex Western banking rails. — Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026

Meanwhile, police forces across the country have transformed from lightly armed constabularies to small-scale armies. — Daniel Benjamin, Foreign Affairs, 11 Sep. 2026

Metz’s essay observes how The Bear utilizes the similar techniques as previous Golden Age of Television series (like The Sopranos and Game of Thrones) to exaggerate small-scale conflict to melodramatic proportions. — Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026

Kenya’s crackdown on foreign small-scale traders is exposing a tension at the heart of President William Ruto’s economic agenda in trying to protect jobs for Kenyans while keeping the country open to overseas capital and regional trade. — Vivianne Wandera, semafor.com, 9 Sep. 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