minus

[ mahy-nuhs ]

preposition

1. less by the subtraction of; decreased by:

   Ten minus six is four.

2. lacking or without:

   a book minus its title page.

adjective

1. involving or noting subtraction.
2. algebraically negative:

   a minus quantity.

3. less than; just below in quality:

   to get a C minus on a test.

4. Informal. having negative qualities or characteristics; inferior.
5. Mycology. (in heterothallic fungi) designating, in the absence of morphological differentiation, one of the two strains of mycelia that unite in the sexual process.

noun

1. minus sign.
2. a minus quantity.
3. a deficiency or loss.
4. Informal. a person or thing with no apparent abilities, usefulness, etc.:

   The last applicant was a definite minus.

minus

/ ˈmaɪnəs /

preposition

1. reduced by the subtraction of

   four minus two (written 4 – 2)

2. informal.
   deprived of; lacking

   minus the trimmings, that hat would be ordinary

adjective

1. 1. indicating or involving subtraction

      a minus sign

   2. Alsonegative having a value or designating a quantity less than zero

      a minus number

2. on the negative part of a scale or coordinate axis

   a value of minus 40°C

3. involving a disadvantage, harm, etc

   a minus factor

4. postpositive education slightly below the standard of a particular grade

   he received a B minus for his essay

5. botany designating the strain of a fungus that can only undergo sexual reproduction with a plus strain
6. denoting a negative electric charge

noun

1. short for minus sign
2. a negative quantity
3. a disadvantage, loss, or deficit
4. informal.
   something detrimental or negative

Word History and Origins

Origin of minus¹

1300–50; Middle English < Latin, neuter of minor less; minor

Word History and Origins

Origin of minus¹

C15: from Latin, neuter of minor

Example Sentences

A pledge to get net migration – the number of people entering the UK for more than 12 months, minus the number leaving – down to the ‘tens of thousands’ was first offered by Cameron in the 2010 Conservative manifesto and remained there for the next two elections.

From BBC

Other companies on the scene include Singapore-based Prefer and San Francisco's Minus.

From BBC

Match of the Day was reduced to a 20-minute edition minus its host, pundits and commentary - and the story made headline news for several days, with politicians and media commentators all weighing in on the issue.

From BBC

They are minus 23 from the final quarter.

From BBC

Donald Trump’s own favorability rating, as the guy who just won the presidential election, is minus 9.

From Slate