minimum
gb/mˈɪnəməm/ us/mˈɪnəməm/
B1
English
~ 2900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
Smallest possible or permitted amount
The smallest amount or number that is possible or allowed.
Usage pattern:
the minimum [amount/number/requirement]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'minimum' with 'minimal'. 'Minimal' means 'very small', not necessarily the smallest allowed amount.
Synonyms
lowest (Describes the smallest in amount or level, often less formal.)
|
least (Refers to the smallest quantity, but can sound less precise in official contexts.)
Antonyms
maximum (Refers to the largest possible or allowed amount.)
Collocations
set a minimum
|minimum requirement
|minimum wage
|minimum age
|minimum payment
Themes
measurement
|rules
|mathematics
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The minimum age to vote is 18.
- We need at least the minimum payment to avoid a late fee.
- The law sets a minimum wage for all workers.
- The temperature dropped to the minimum recorded this year.
- Please meet the minimum requirements before applying.
Learner examples
- The minimum age to drive here is 16.
- You must pay the minimum amount each month.
- The minimum score to pass is 50 points.
- This job has a minimum salary of $2,000 a month.
adjective
B1
property
2
Smallest possible or permitted
The smallest amount or number that is possible or allowed.
Usage pattern:
the minimum [size/level/requirement]
Synonyms
lowest (Describes the smallest in amount or level; direct equivalent in many contexts.)
Antonyms
maximum (Describes the largest possible or allowed amount.)
Collocations
minimum level
|minimum speed
|minimum standard
Themes
measurement
|rules
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- You must drive at the minimum speed limit on this road.
- The minimum temperature tonight will be 5°C.
- We achieved the minimum acceptable quality.
Learner examples
- This is the minimum price I can offer.
- He got the minimum score to pass.
- The minimum height for this ride is 120 cm.
Grammar
Dictionary form
minimum
IPA
GB/mˈɪnəməm/
US/mˈɪnəməm/
Syllables & stress
min - im - um (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (min)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: minimum
Noun
- Base: minimum
- Plural: minima, minimums
Word family
Expressions
minimum age
1/mˈɪnəməm ˈeɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
Youngest legal age allowed
The youngest age a person can be to do something by law or rule.
Examples
- The minimum age to vote here is 18.
- You must be the minimum age to buy alcohol.
minimum requirements
1/mˈɪnəməm ɹɪkwˈaɪɹmənts/
fixed phrase
Smallest set of needed conditions
The least amount of things you must have or do to get something.
Examples
- You must meet the minimum requirements to apply for this job.
- The software has certain minimum requirements for your computer.
minimum wage
1/mˈɪnəməm wˈeɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
Lowest legal pay per hour
The smallest amount of money per hour that a worker can be paid by law.
Examples
- The government raised the minimum wage to help low-income workers.
- Many workers earn only the minimum wage.
- Many workers earn just the minimum wage.
- The government will increase the minimum wage next year.