C1verb2K

UK/["/ˈmɪnɪmaɪz/","/ˈmɪnɪmaɪzɪz/","/ˈmɪnɪmaɪzd/","/ˈmɪnɪmaɪzɪŋ/"]/US/["/ˈmɪnɪmaɪz/","/ˈmɪnɪmaɪzɪz/","/ˈmɪnɪmaɪzd/","/ˈmɪnɪmaɪzɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Minimize

to reduce something, especially something bad, to the lowest possible level

In simple words: To make something as small as possible.

Minimize in a sentence

  • Good hygiene helps to minimize the risk of infection.
  • Costs were minimized by using plastic instead of leather.
  • The proposals are designed to minimize waste and encourage recycling.
  • measures to help minimize the effects of the recession
  • to pay the cheapest possible rent in order to minimize costs
  • They worked at night in order to minimize the disruption.
  • He always tried to minimize his own faults, while exaggerating those of others.
  • Minimize any windows you have open.

How to use Minimize

Use in both spoken and written English. It’s appropriate in academic and professional contexts but may feel overly technical in casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

minimize + object

Memory hint

Think of 'mini' in 'minimize' — making things tiny like toy versions.

Related words

Collocations with Minimize

  • minimize risks
  • minimize costs
  • minimize waste
  • minimize damage
  • minimize exposure

Synonyms for Minimize

Opposites of Minimize

Common mistakes with Minimize

  • 'Minimize' is sometimes confused with 'maximize' because of similar meanings.
  • Learners might forget to use the object, saying 'minimize' alone without specifying what is being minimized.
  • Using 'minimize' in informal situations where simpler words like 'reduce' would be better.

Compare Minimize with Reduce, Diminish, Shrink, Lower

Minimize appears in

Minimize in other languages

More words like Minimize

People also search for

  • Minimize meaning
  • meaning of Minimize
  • Minimize definition
  • define Minimize
  • what does Minimize mean
  • Minimize means
  • how to use Minimize

Frequently asked questions about Minimize

What does Minimize mean?

To make something as small as possible.

What is the definition of Minimize?

to reduce something, especially something bad, to the lowest possible level

How do you use Minimize in a sentence?

Good hygiene helps to minimize the risk of infection.

Can you give another example of Minimize?

Costs were minimized by using plastic instead of leather.

What are synonyms for Minimize?

Common alternatives include reduce, diminish, lessen, shrink, lower.

What is the opposite of Minimize?

Opposite meanings include maximize, increase.

What words go with Minimize?

It commonly pairs with minimize risks, minimize costs, minimize waste, minimize damage, minimize exposure.

What are common mistakes when using Minimize?

'Minimize' is sometimes confused with 'maximize' because of similar meanings. Learners might forget to use the object, saying 'minimize' alone without specifying what is being minimized. Using 'minimize' in informal situations where simpler words like 'reduce' would be better.

How do you pronounce Minimize?

US: /["/ˈmɪnɪmaɪz/","/ˈmɪnɪmaɪzɪz/","/ˈmɪnɪmaɪzd/","/ˈmɪnɪmaɪzɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ˈmɪnɪmaɪz/","/ˈmɪnɪmaɪzɪz/","/ˈmɪnɪmaɪzd/","/ˈmɪnɪmaɪzɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Minimize?

Use in both spoken and written English. It’s appropriate in academic and professional contexts but may feel overly technical in casual conversation.

What CEFR level is Minimize?

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