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

There was also minimal protectionist pressure, largely because Europe and Japan urgently needed imports and the United States actively encouraged reconstruction in both places. — Michael Pettis, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026

During testing, the company’s 210Ah cells ran continuously at 100 percent depth of discharge with minimal capacity loss. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026

And that's something that none of the accounts outlined above risk, even the traditional savings account with its minimal rate. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026

Over the years, the communally divisive rhetoric failed in some states, because the number of Muslims are very minimal. — Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 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