minimize

American  

[min-uh-mahyz] / ˈmɪn əˌmaɪz /

especially British, minimise

verb (used with object)

minimized, minimizing

1. to reduce to the smallest possible amount or degree.

2. to represent at the lowest possible amount, value, importance, influence, etc., especially in a disparaging way; belittle.

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minimize British  

/ ˈmɪnɪˌmaɪz /

verb

1. to reduce to or estimate at the least possible degree or amount

   to minimize a risk

2. to rank or treat at less than the true worth; belittle

   to minimize someone's achievements

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Other Word Forms

• minimization noun
• minimizer noun
• unminimized adjective
• unminimizing adjective

Etymology

Origin of minimize

First recorded in 1795–1805; minim(um) + -ize

Example Sentences

Both CalPERS and CalSTRS said that investment portfolios seek to minimize risk and maximize returns.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

While administration officials attempt to project control and minimize long-term impact, the immediate consequences are already being felt in global energy markets — and, increasingly, by consumers facing rising fuel costs.

From Salon • Mar. 22, 2026

He has also spearheaded efforts to reform a woefully slow acquisition system, minimize stifling regulations, and take advantage of an innovative private sector.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Otherwise, the system creates incentives for regulatory arbitrage, in which firms migrate toward structures that minimize governmental oversight of risks.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026

Hinted at the gravity of the so-called “trauma of decanting,” and enumerated the precautions taken to minimize, by a suitable training of the bottled embryo, that dangerous shock.

From "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley

Related Words

• curtail
• decrease
• diminish
• downplay
• lessen
• play down
• reduce
• trivialize
• underestimate