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:
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.
Many companies still engage in smaller-scale testing of certain solutions before committing to full enterprise deployments.
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
Any delay could have big consequences for small-scale cattle farmers like Nompumelelo Ndlovu, who has about 20 animals and makes money from buying and selling them.
From BBC
Interestingly, beyond a couple of small-scale events, there hasn’t been much talk of sending him out on the road again.
From Salon
Other types of licences include permits for sand extractions, small-scale exploration or scientific research.
From Barron's
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.
