# minimum

/ˈmɪnəməm/ (US) · /mˈɪnɪməm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/minimum
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. smallest amount

noun · CEFR B1

the smallest amount of something that is possible or needed.

For teachers: the absolute lowest quantity or degree of something that is attainable or required.

- You need a minimum of five years of experience to apply for this job.
- The researchers determined that a minimum of three independent trials was necessary to ensure the statistical validity of the results.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'of' followed by a quantity.

### 2. lowest limit

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

the lowest level or limit that is allowed by a rule or law.

For teachers: the lower threshold or limit established by regulation or convention.

- The government decided to raise the national minimum wage next year.
- The legal minimum for safety standards in the construction industry was updated to reflect modern engineering practices.

### 3. lowest point in data

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Technical

the lowest value in a group of numbers or a set of data.

For teachers: the smallest member of a mathematical set or the lowest value in a probability distribution.

- The graph shows a minimum in sales during the month of February.
- The algorithm identifies the local minimum within the dataset to determine the point of least resistance in the structural model.

### 4. star brightness

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the time when a star is at its least bright point.

For teachers: the period or point of lowest brightness or energy intensity in a variable star's cycle.

- The star is currently approaching its minimum, so it will look dimmer tonight.
- Observations taken during the solar minimum revealed significant changes in the sun's magnetic field compared to periods of peak activity.

### 5. lowest possible

adjective · CEFR B1

describing the smallest amount that is possible or allowed.

For teachers: denoting the lowest possible or permissible degree; non-gradable.

- The minimum age for entering the competition is eighteen.
- The project was completed with minimum disruption to the local residents, despite the extensive nature of the roadworks.

## Examples

- You must pay a minimum of ten dollars.
- The safety regulations require a minimum of two fire exits on every floor of the building.
- While the researchers aimed for a higher sample size, they established a minimum of fifty participants to ensure the study's findings remained statistically significant.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.