What does minus mean?
“Minus” is a common word and mathematical sign used to express subtraction, a negative quantity, or a level below zero. It is especially familiar in temperature reports, where “minus five degrees” means five degrees below the relevant zero point, and in arithmetic, where it indicates the operation of taking one quantity away from another. In everyday speech, the related noun “a minus” can mean a disadvantage, drawback, or deficit, as in “The lack of public transport is a major minus.” The word is also used after a noun or phrase to mean “less” or “excluding,” such as “the total price minus tax.” These forms are widely understood in both British and American English. Etymologically, “minus” comes from Latin, where it meant “less,” and ultimately connects with a wider family of English words associated with smallness or reduction.
Less than, below, or excluding.
"The score was minus four after the final round."
A mathematical subtraction sign; informally, a disadvantage or deficit.
"The proposal has a number of practical minuses."
Indicating subtraction or a negative amount.
"Enter the minus value if the balance is below zero."
Used for the mathematical signs or, informally, for disadvantages or deficits.
"The list of advantages and minuses was displayed on the screen."
From the Latin for “less,” minus became the everyday symbol for subtraction and for any quantity below zero.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does minus come from?
The word comes from Latin minus, meaning “less” or “smaller,” and entered English through mathematical and scientific usage. Latin minus is related to minor, meaning “smaller” or “lesser,” which also underlies English words such as minority, minimize, and minuscule. The mathematical sense developed alongside the use of the word as the name of the subtraction sign.
Related word forms
How minus is actually used
The preposition and adjective uses are standard in both British and American English. In informal contexts, “a minus” can mean a drawback or disadvantage, as in “The main minus of the plan is its cost.” When used with temperatures, “minus ten degrees” generally refers to a temperature below the freezing point of water.
Easily confused with minus
“Minus” indicates an amount below zero or a subtraction, whereas “none” means not any amount of something.
“Minus” is commonly used with temperatures, scores, and arithmetic, while “negative” is the more general adjective for something below zero or unfavorable.