small-scale
Americanadjective
-
of limited extent; of small scope.
a small-scale enterprise.
-
being a relatively small map, model, etc., of the original and, hence, showing relatively little detail.
adjective
-
of limited size or scope
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(of a map, model, etc) giving a relatively small representation of something, usually missing out details
Etymology
Origin of small-scale
First recorded in 1850–55
Compare meaning
How does small-scale compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
Anything that's small-scale is minor or limited in some way, like your town's small-scale public art project, which includes only two modest statues. Your English class might require one long research paper, or several small-scale essays. And while your best friend's family throws enormous birthday parties with hired entertainment and catered food, your family may prefer quieter, small-scale celebrations. The antonym of small-scale is large-scale, and both words date from the early 17th century.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While rare earths will be the primary focus, exploration will also assess the potential for gold mining — the area is dotted with old, small-scale adits and shafts.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026
A small-scale 2012 study by Australian academics suggested that girls at primary schools were "significantly more active" during breaks and at lunchtime when they wore their sports uniform rather than their winter uniform.
From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026
Interestingly, beyond a couple of small-scale events, there hasn’t been much talk of sending him out on the road again.
From Salon • Feb. 17, 2026
Some small-scale, independent news sites founded in the past five years have built audiences via a crowdfunding model, though they still face political and financial pressures.
From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026
There were certain small-scale projects I chose not to take on.
From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
