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Meaning & use

minimum

noun, adjective·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈmɪnɪməm/
US/ˈmɪnəməm/

Meanings

  1. nounusually singular

    The lowest amount or level that is possible, needed or allowed.

    Grammar: Often with the or a: keep costs to a minimum.

    Patterns

    • a minimum of something
    • keep something to a minimum

    You need a minimum of six players to start the game.

    We try to keep waste to a minimum.

    The job pays the legal minimum.

  2. adjectivebefore a noun

    Being the smallest amount permitted or required.

    Grammar: Comes before a noun: minimum age.

    Patterns

    • minimum age
    • minimum wage

    The minimum age to enter is sixteen.

    There is a minimum charge of five dollars.

    The course has a minimum requirement of two years' experience.

  3. nouncountabletechnical

    The lowest value a quantity reaches, such as a temperature or a graph point.

    Grammar: Used in math and weather reports.

    Patterns

    • a minimum of something

    Overnight temperatures reached a minimum of minus four.

    The function has a minimum at zero.

    The graph shows a clear minimum in January.

Word forms

pluralminima
pluralminimums

Common combinations

at a minimum
At a minimum, you should bring a photo ID.
bare minimum
He did the bare minimum to pass.
minimum wage
The minimum wage rose again this year.
keep to a minimum
Please keep noise to a minimum after ten.
minimum requirement
A degree is the minimum requirement for this post.

Synonyms and how they differ

lowest
Lowest simply ranks things from the bottom, while minimum suggests a set limit that cannot be gone below.
least
Least is used with uncountable amounts in casual speech, whereas minimum fits rules and requirements.
smallest
Smallest compares size, but minimum names the allowed or necessary low point.

Opposites

maximum

Word family

minimal adjective
very small in amount, or reduced to the essentials
minimize verb
to reduce something to the smallest possible amount
minimally adverb
to a very small degree
minimization noun
the act of reducing something to the least amount

Commonly confused: minimum or minimal?

minimum vs minimal

Minimal means very small, while minimum means the lowest amount allowed or possible.

Practice

To apply for the scholarship, you must be a ___ of eighteen years old.

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