modicum

[ mod-i-kuhm, moh-di- ]

noun

1. a moderate or small amount:

   He hasn't even a modicum of common sense.

modicum

/ ˈmɒdɪkəm /

noun

1. a small amount or portion

Word History and Origins

Origin of modicum¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin, noun use of neuter of modicus “moderate,” equivalent to modi-, combining form of modus limit ( mode ¹ ) + -cus adjective suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of modicum¹

C15: from Latin: a little way, from modicus moderate

Example Sentences

He experienced a modicum of the success and notoriety that many of his musical successors reap the benefits from today.

From Washington Post

There was—in the bigger cities, especially Kabul—a modicum of freedom for certain individuals, like a lot of Afghans raised abroad or who had been refugees in Pakistan and Iran, and then for whatever reason had come back to Afghanistan.

From The Daily Beast

This enabled a modicum of close air support, but it was far from cutting edge.

From MIT Technology Review

They are asked to present a modicum of virtue that the chimpanzee alpha does not care about.

From Nautilus

Medium also plans to introduce more stringent eligibility requirements that will require new Partner Program participants to secure a modicum of traction on the platform before they can make any money.

From Digiday

The U.S. government should expedite their cases while showing some modicum of flexibility in reviewing their documentation.

From The Daily Beast

If I am dressed “modestly,” then they can perhaps generate a modicum of understanding.

From The Daily Beast

Robbie was rejected by his brothers and sisters, and only his mother showed a modicum of sympathy.

From The Daily Beast

Jobs must have had at least a modicum of decency, or he never would have called the Rose family in the first place.

From The Daily Beast

He has failed to give Texans even the modicum of respect required to actively scam them.

From The Daily Beast

A modicum of mental training would have led him to say, “Kindly send me your Prospectus.”

From Project Gutenberg

The only forces appealed to were the fear of punishment and a modicum of religious exhortation.

From Project Gutenberg

Even waste and misuse are regulated by education and experience where there is even a modicum of intelligence.

From Project Gutenberg

A rather absurd little modicum of jam is also served out, but it serves to sweeten a biscuit.

From Project Gutenberg

I am master of my profession, and I have a certain modicum of business ability, as well as common sense.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• iota
• ounce
• shred