What does "minus" mean?

1. (subtraction) used to show that one number is being taken away from another. 2. (without) not having something; missing a part. 3. (a disadvantage) a bad point or a disadvantage of a situation. 4. (the symbol) the sign (−) used in math to show subtraction or negative numbers. 5. (below zero) used to describe temperatures or numbers that are less than zero. 6. (slightly below a grade) used after a letter grade to show it is slightly lower than that grade.

How do you use "minus"?

Functions as a preposition; the result of the operation is called the 'difference'. In temperature, 'minus' is usually placed before the number. Always placed immediately after the noun or grade it modifies.

minus

prep. · n. · adj.

US //ˈmaɪnəs// UK //mˈaɪnəs// mi·nus

1 subtraction (prep.)
A2 Elementary Math

used to show that one number is being taken away from another.

denoting subtraction or the reduction of one quantity by another.

Example

Seven minus three equals four.

Example

The final invoice total was the gross amount minus the initial deposit paid last month.

Usage

Functions as a preposition; the result of the operation is called the 'difference'.
- less
- subtracting
- plus
2 without (prep.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

not having something; missing a part.

deprived of or lacking a specific element or accompaniment.

Example

He returned from the beach minus his sunglasses.

Example

The team arrived at the presentation minus their lead designer, who had been delayed by a cancelled flight.

Teacher's tip

This usage is common in spoken English to describe accidental loss or humorous absence.
- without
- lacking
- with

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3 a disadvantage (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a bad point or a disadvantage of a situation.

a negative quality, drawback, or disadvantage.

Example

The house is beautiful, but the long commute is a big minus.

Example

When weighing the job offer, she considered the high salary a plus, but the lack of remote work options was a significant minus.
- plus
- advantage
4 the symbol (n.)
B1 Intermediate Math

the sign (−) used in math to show subtraction or negative numbers.

the mathematical character or symbol representing the operation of subtraction or a negative value.

Example

You forgot to put a minus in front of the number.

Example

The student consistently confused the hyphen with the minus sign in his calculus homework.
- minus sign
- dash
- plus sign
5 below zero (adj.)
A2 Elementary

used to describe temperatures or numbers that are less than zero.

pertaining to a quantity less than zero on a specific scale.

Example

The temperature dropped to minus ten degrees last night.

Example

The company reported a minus figure for the third quarter, indicating a net loss rather than a profit.

Usage

In temperature, 'minus' is usually placed before the number.
- negative
- below zero
- plus
- positive
6 slightly below a grade (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

used after a letter grade to show it is slightly lower than that grade.

ranking just below a designated letter grade or rating.

Example

She was disappointed to get a B minus on her essay.

Example

The credit agency downgraded the country's rating from A to A minus following the economic crisis.

Usage

Always placed immediately after the noun or grade it modifies.
- plus

Origin

From Middle English mynus, from Latin minus, neuter form of minor, comparative form of parvus (“small, little”), from the Proto-Indo-European root *mey- (“few, small”).