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

Other Word Forms

• minimally adverb
• nonminimal adjective
• subminimal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of minimal¹

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

Related Words

• basic 
• essential 
• minimum 
• nominal 
• token