C1adjective 2K

Minimal

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈmɪnɪml/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈmɪnɪml/"]/

Meaning of Minimal

very small in size or amount; as small as possible

In simple words: The least amount or very small.

Minimal in a sentence

• The work was carried out at minimal cost.
• There's only a minimal amount of risk involved.
• The damage to the car was minimal.

How to use Minimal

Use 'minimal' to describe something that is very small in amount or degree. It often conveys simplicity or a lack of excess. It is appropriate in both everyday conversation and formal writing, but avoid it in casual slang contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'mini' for something small — 'minimal' is even smaller.

Related words

Collocations with Minimal

• minimal effort
• minimal risk
• minimal impact
• minimal design
• minimal change

Synonyms for Minimal

• slight
• small
• limited
• basic
• insignificant

Opposites of Minimal

• excessive
• abundant
• ample

Common mistakes with Minimal

• Confusing 'minimal' with 'minimum', which refers to the least possible amount.
• Using 'minimal' in contexts that require a more intense or larger scale description.
• Misplacing it in a sentence, such as saying 'minimal amount of' instead of 'a minimal amount of'.

Frequently asked questions about Minimal

What does Minimal mean?

The least amount or very small.

What is the definition of Minimal?

very small in size or amount; as small as possible

How do you use Minimal in a sentence?

The work was carried out at minimal cost.

Can you give another example of Minimal?

There's only a minimal amount of risk involved.

What are synonyms for Minimal?

Common alternatives include slight, small, limited, basic, insignificant.

What is the opposite of Minimal?

Opposite meanings include excessive, abundant, ample.

What words go with Minimal?

It commonly pairs with minimal effort, minimal risk, minimal impact, minimal design, minimal change.

What are common mistakes when using Minimal?

Confusing 'minimal' with 'minimum', which refers to the least possible amount. Using 'minimal' in contexts that require a more intense or larger scale description. Misplacing it in a sentence, such as saying 'minimal amount of' instead of 'a minimal amount of'.

How do you pronounce Minimal?

US: /["/ˈmɪnɪml/"]/, UK: /["/ˈmɪnɪml/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Minimal?

Use 'minimal' to describe something that is very small in amount or degree. It often conveys simplicity or a lack of excess. It is appropriate in both everyday conversation and formal writing, but avoid it in casual slang contexts.

What CEFR level is Minimal?

"Minimal" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.