small-scale
Americanadjective
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of limited extent; of small scope.
a small-scale enterprise.
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being a relatively small map, model, etc., of the original and, hence, showing relatively little detail.
adjective
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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.
Instead, it calls for careful laboratory research, more sophisticated climate modeling, and perhaps small-scale experiments on future Mars missions to explore localized warming techniques.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 17, 2026
With Brunon’s guidance, they began by drawing small-scale sketches, and eventually they were dipping brushes into cans of paint.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 27, 2026
It plays a significant economic role in the region, through tourism, and small-scale fishing that many families depend on.
From BBC ● Jun. 27, 2026
Patrolling has also reduced small-scale encroachments, but infrastructure projects including multiple dams are still driving deforestation.
From Barron's ● Jun. 25, 2026
In Mesopotamia, North China, Mexico, and Madagascar, small-scale irrigation systems already existed before the rise of states.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
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.
