marginal

adjective
UK: /ˈmɑːdʒɪnəl/
US: /ˈmɑːrdʒɪnəl/

  1. Small and not important.

    1. The change was marginal.
    2. The company experienced a marginal increase in profits this quarter, which was unexpected.

  2. Not part of the main group or activity.

    1. He plays a marginal role.
    2. Marginal farmers often struggle to compete with larger agricultural businesses in the region.

  3. Relating to or at the edge or border of something.

    1. There is a marginal note here.
    2. The marginal land was unsuitable for growing crops, so they raised livestock instead.

Synonyms

minor slight peripheral insignificant
marginal verb

  1. To treat someone or something as if they are not important.

    1. They marginalize some people.
    2. The new policy inadvertently marginalizes small businesses, making it difficult for them to thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "marginal" in English means: Small and not important., Not part of the main group or activity., Relating to or at the edge or border of something..

The phonetic transcription of "marginal" is /ˈmɑːdʒɪnəl/ in British English and /ˈmɑːrdʒɪnəl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "marginal": minor, slight, peripheral, insignificant.

Example usage of "marginal": "The change was marginal.". More examples on the page.