marginal
adj.adj. very small or not important enough to change a situation. It can also describe something that is on the edge of a group or area.
adj. relating to or situated at the edge or margin; minimal in importance, size, or effect. In political contexts, it refers to a seat or area won by a very small majority.
The difference in cost between the two options is marginal.
The company decided the marginal increase in profit did not justify the high risk of the new investment.
While the policy change had a significant impact on urban centers, its effect on rural communities remained marginal due to existing infrastructure limitations.
Learned borrowing from Medieval Latin marginālis, equivalent to margin + -al.
Commonly used in academic and professional contexts to describe incremental changes or groups with little social power.