small-scale
Americanadjective
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of limited extent; of small scope.
a small-scale enterprise.
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being a relatively small map, model, etc., of the original and, hence, showing relatively little detail.
adjective
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of limited size or scope
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(of a map, model, etc) giving a relatively small representation of something, usually missing out details
Etymology
Origin of small-scale
First recorded in 1850–55
Compare meaning
How does small-scale compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
Anything that's small-scale is minor or limited in some way, like your town's small-scale public art project, which includes only two modest statues. Your English class might require one long research paper, or several small-scale essays. And while your best friend's family throws enormous birthday parties with hired entertainment and catered food, your family may prefer quieter, small-scale celebrations. The antonym of small-scale is large-scale, and both words date from the early 17th century.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
That’s no longer the case, so you would be forgiven for attaching more importance to the small-scale appeal of this adaptation of Irish author Bernard MacLaverty’s 2017 novel.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026
Interestingly, beyond a couple of small-scale events, there hasn’t been much talk of sending him out on the road again.
From Salon • Feb. 17, 2026
Other types of licences include permits for sand extractions, small-scale exploration or scientific research.
From Barron's • Feb. 14, 2026
The Cold War aside, most of the conflicts I've covered over the years have been small-scale affairs: nasty and dangerous, certainly, but not serious enough to threaten the peace of the entire world.
From BBC • Dec. 28, 2025
In Mesopotamia, North China, Mexico, and Madagascar, small-scale irrigation systems already existed before the rise of states.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
