What does minimise mean?
To minimise something is to reduce it to the smallest possible amount or level, or to take steps that make it less likely, costly, or damaging. The verb is widely used when discussing costs, risks, delays, damage, environmental effects, and inconvenience: an organisation may minimise expenses, a safety procedure may minimise the chance of injury, and careful design may minimise waste. Although the word can suggest restraint or reduction, it often carries a practical connotation of control and efficiency. In “minimise the risk of something,” it emphasizes reducing a possibility to the lowest attainable level. British English normally uses the form “minimise,” while US English uses “minimize.” The word is related etymologically to “minimum” and “minimal,” all deriving from the Latin minimus, meaning “smallest.”
verbTo reduce something to the smallest possible amount, size, degree, or importance. It can also mean to make an effort to avoid or lessen something undesirable.
- To reduce something to the smallest possible size, amount, degree, or importance.
- To avoid or lessen something undesirable, especially risk, damage, cost, or disruption.
"The redesign should minimize waiting time without reducing the quality of service."
"Careful planning minimised delays during the project."
"The company introduced stricter controls to minimise the risk of data breaches."
Minimise entered English through French from the Latin minimus, meaning “smallest”—the same root behind “minimum” and “minimal.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does minimise come from?
The word entered English in the late 16th century from French minimiser, meaning “to make as small as possible.” French formed the verb from Latin minimare, a derivative of minimus, “smallest.” The same Latin root underlies English words including minimum and minimal.
Related word forms
How minimise is actually used
The standard British spelling is “minimise”; “minimize” is the standard US spelling. The verb is common in formal and informal contexts, though “minimise the risk” and “minimise costs” are especially frequent in business, public policy, and safety contexts.
Easily confused with minimise
“Minimise” is a verb meaning to reduce something, whereas “minimum” is a noun or adjective naming the smallest possible amount or level.