minimal

adjective

min·​i·​mal ˈmi-nə-məl 

1

: relating to or being a minimum: such as

a

: the least possible

a victory won with minimal loss of life

b

: barely adequate

a minimal standard of living

c

: very small or slight

a minimal interest in art

2

often Minimal : of, relating to, or being minimal art or minimalism

minimally

ˈmi-nə-mə-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of minimal

• slightest
• minimum
• lowest
• smallest
• small

Examples of minimal in a Sentence

The storm caused minimal damage.

areas at minimal risk for flooding

Recent Examples on the Web

Paffett-Lugassy said the interaction model stays deliberately minimal. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Jan. 2026

That means minimal adjusting and fluffing are needed. —Genevieve Cepeda, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026

People with Medicaid — who typically have minimal or no copays for prescriptions — already pay very little. —Berkeley Lovelace Jr, NBC news, 8 Jan. 2026

But the policy’s impact will be minimal for countries whose students, tourists, and professionals are already banned under a presidential proclamation in June blocking Cubans, Venezuelans, Antiguans, Barbudans, Dominicans and nationals from over a dozen other countries. —Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing minimal

• minimal art
• minimal brain dysfunction
• minimal pair
• sub-minimal

Kids Definition

minimal

adjective

min·​i·​mal ˈmin-ə-məl 

: relating to or being a minimum : least

minimally

-mə-lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

minimal

adjective

min·​i·​mal ˈmin-ə-məl 

: relating to or being a minimum : constituting the least possible with respect to size, number, degree, or certain stated conditions

tuberosity fractures heal with minimal … treatment

—J. S. Keene et al.

residents receive a minimal level of personal care

—A. S. Oser

side effects are minimal