minimal

[ min-uh-muhl ]

adjective

1. constituting a minimum:

   a minimal mode of transportation.

2. barely adequate or the least possible:

   minimal care.

   Synonyms: minimum, nominal

ˈminimal

/ ˈmɪnɪməl /

adjective

1. of the least possible; minimum or smallest

Derived Forms

• ˈminimally, adverb

Other Words From

• mini·mal·ly adverb
• non·mini·mal adjective
• sub·mini·mal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of minimal¹

First recorded in 1660–70; minim(um) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

They place minimal value on respect for truth and democratic institutions.

From Salon

“The minimal expectation is that the device is turned off and stored,” Chait said.

From Los Angeles Times

A lot of states don’t have these “fail safes in the system to protect voters and ensure that we have a minimal amount of disenfranchisement,” Alexander said.

From Los Angeles Times

As explained by the AP, pistachio orchards “can be sustained with minimal water during drought” and their trees “rely on wind instead of bees for pollination and can produce nuts for decades longer.”

From Salon

The New York Congresswoman has minimal experience in foreign policy and national security.

From BBC

Related Words

• basic
• essential
• minimum
• nominal
• token