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

There’s a facile critical tendency to liken a wide range of talky and small-scale dramas to the films of Éric Rohmer. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2026

Subtle textures, small-scale patterns, and tone-on-tone prints tend to be more forgiving in imperfect spaces and are easier to align visually. —Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 27 Feb. 2026

Noble said that the $500,000 crowdfund round, which gave small-scale investors equity in Nude Foods, recently got extended for up to $300,000 more. —Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 25 Feb. 2026

Dozens of neighborhood residents spoke against the change, expressing concerns that the high-density housing commonly built under Complete Communities could ruin the small-scale, beachy feel of their neighborhood. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 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