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
-
(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.
EIA data for June 2026 show about 13.34 gigawatts of utility-scale solar and 3.34 GW of small-scale solar in Florida, up roughly 12.5% from a year earlier.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 10, 2026
President William Ruto had set today as the deadline for foreigners operating small-scale businesses to cease work.
From BBC ● Sep. 7, 2026
The backlash from residents in the Central Valley to the possibility of even a small-scale data center demonstrates how acutely the issue has put many Americans on edge.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 6, 2026
The assessments envision scenarios ranging from a cyberattack to a small-scale land incursion.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 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.
