marginal
Small and not very important or significant; at the edge or border.
Examples
In a meeting
“The cost savings from that change would be marginal at best.”
Over coffee
“The difference in taste between the two brands is marginal.”
Why this word
small
Marginal specifically means barely significant or at the edge of acceptability, while small just indicates size
minor
Marginal emphasizes borderline significance or minimal impact, while minor means less important without implying threshold status
slight
Marginal suggests barely meeting criteria or being on the edge, while slight simply means not much
Usage tip
In business, 'marginal improvement' means barely noticeable. In economics, 'marginal cost' means the cost of producing one more unit.
Etymology
Latin marginalis — margo (edge, border)
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Related words
benchmark
A standard or point of reference for measuring or comparing performance.
evaluate
To assess or judge the value, quality, or significance of something.
ample
More than enough; plentiful and sufficient.
negligible
So small or unimportant as to not be worth considering.
excessive
More than what is necessary, normal, or desirable; too much.
relevant
Closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand.