minimum

minimum — noun

IPA/ˈmɪn.ɪ.məm/
KK[mˈɪnəməm]IPA/ˈmɪn.ə.məm/
  • minimumsingular
  • minimumsplural

1. the lowest possible number, amount, or level of something — for example, the sma

1.nounA2
Definition

the lowest possible number, amount, or level of something — for example, the smallest number of people needed to start a game, or the coldest temperature a plant can survive without dying.

Example

Rin needs a minimum of eight hours of sleep to function well at work.

a minimum of + [number]

The contract sets a minimum order of fifty boxes for free shipping.

minimum + noun (order, age, etc.)

Common collocations
  • a minimum of
  • keep to a minimum
  • at a minimum
  • bare minimum
  • strict minimum
  • absolute minimum
Synonyms
  • least

    more general; 'the least amount' works in many contexts where 'minimum' fits

  • lowest

    focuses on position on a scale; good for temperatures, prices, or scores

  • bottom

    informal; 'the bottom end of the range' sounds less technical than 'minimum'

Antonyms
  • maximum

    the highest possible number, amount, or level — the direct opposite

Grammar Patterns

a minimum of + [number]

keep + noun + to a minimum

at a minimum

Usage Note

Usually singular. The uncountable form appears in fixed phrases such as 'keep something to a minimum' or 'at a minimum'.

Common Mistakes

We need a minimum of chairs.
We need a minimum of twenty chairs.
'a minimum of' works naturally before a specific number, not before a general plural noun.

minimum — adjective

IPA/ˈmɪn.ɪ.məm/
KK[mˈɪnəməm]IPA/ˈmɪn.ə.məm/

minimum — adverb

IPA/ˈmɪnɪməm/
KK[mˈɪnəməm]IPA/ˈmɪnɪməm/

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words refer to the smallest amount or position on a scale, but they differ in grammar and tone. 'Minimum' is a countable noun that typically appears with a following number or in fixed phrases ('a minimum of', 'keep to a minimum'), and it implies a boundary set by a rule or a physical limit. 'Least' is a superlative determiner or pronoun that works with uncountable nouns ('the least amount of sugar') and in negative polarity contexts ('not the least bit interested'). 'Lowest' is a comparative adjective describing position on a vertical or numerical scale ('the lowest price', 'the lowest temperature') and sounds more conversational than 'minimum'. 'Bottom' is informal and suggests the final position in a ranking ('the bottom of the class', 'rock bottom prices'). For a formal report on safety standards, use 'minimum'; for everyday talk about prices, 'lowest' or 'bottom' feel more natural.

minimum ↗least ↗lowest ↗bottom ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • minimum requirement
  • minimum standard
  • minimum wage
  • minimum age

Adverbs

Phrases

  • keep to a minimum
  • at a minimum
  • bare minimum
  • absolute minimum

Prepositions

  • of a minimum
  • to a minimum

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Comes from Latin 'minimus', meaning 'least' or 'smallest' — the superlative form of 'parvus' (small). It entered English in the 16th century through French, first used in mathematics to describe the smallest value in a set, then broadened to general use.