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 capitalized : of, relating to, or being minimal art or minimalism

minimally

ˈmi-nə-mə-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• 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

DaSilva said that, aside from Gabrielle, tropical development elsewhere in the Atlantic is likely to remain minimal because of a strong area of high pressure and the persistent dry, dusty air in the middle of the ocean. —John Bacon, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025

Sierra National Forest FacebookFresno County Sheriff's Office Evacuation MapThe Deer Fire (approximately 2 acres) and the Garlic Fire (less than one acre) both located north east of the Garnet Fire are seeing minimal growth. —Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2025

The open sound concept of the Amiron Zero enables the natural perception of a person’s surroundings while still managing to deliver precise highs and bass with minimal sound loss. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Audio quality has been tuned up with AI Sound Boost for cleaner highs, deeper bass, and minimal distortion at high volume. —Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 3 Sep. 2025

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