modicum

American  

[mod-i-kuhm, moh-di-] / ˈmɒd ɪ kəm, ˈmoʊ dɪ- /

noun

1. a moderate or small amount.

   He hasn't even a modicum of common sense.

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modicum British  

/ ˈmɒdɪkəm /

noun

1. a small amount or portion

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Etymology

Origin of modicum

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin, noun use of neuter of modicus “moderate,” equivalent to modi-, combining form of modus limit ( mode ¹ ) + -cus adjective suffix

Explanation

If you want to describe a small amount of something, try modicum. If you have a modicum of interest in something, you are a little bit interested. Modicum comes from the Latin modicus, for moderate, and modus, for measure. We often use it to mean "any at all," as if "If you had a modicum of sense (i.e. any sense at all), you'd be able to see that the pencil you've spent the last five minutes looking for is tucked behind your ear."

Example Sentences

Yesterday’s short-lived euphoria reflected what one strategist called “a kind of pent-up demand for a modicum of good news.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Bonds could provide jittery investors with a modicum of safety and income as well.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

Yes, traders may be overweight the sector, and parts are richly valued in terms of price-to-earnings multiples, but such factors have caused only a modicum of exposure reduction by investors so far.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 2, 2026

“Eternity” understands the desperation for a modicum of autonomy in this world, yet cleverly reminds viewers that having a choice doesn’t necessarily make life any easier.

From Salon • Nov. 27, 2025

Marco takes Chandresh’s arm and pulls him into a quieter corner, standing with his back to the courtyard to provide a modicum of privacy.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

Related Words

• iota
• ounce
• shred