at the absolute minimum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the absolute minimum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the least amount or the lowest level of something that is acceptable or required. Example: "To complete the project, we need at the absolute minimum three team members to ensure all tasks are covered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"Seventy million killed at the absolute minimum.

The Guardian - Books

"In 1994 by this stage," Fehr said, "we were satisfied that there was virtually no possibility of an agreement in the short run and that the setting of a strike date at the absolute minimum would be required to get an agreement.

The New York Times - Sports

"At the absolute minimum, you should go over your statement, on paper or online, the day you get it," Richardson told CardRatings.com.com

Huffington Post

References to studies not listed in PEDro were kept at the absolute minimum and marked by an asterisk.

British Medical Bulletin

The size of the seed slot and the associated movement of soil are to be kept at the absolute minimum possible.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Also make sure you are getting enough sleep — you should be aiming for 8 hours per night, 6 at the absolute minimum.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Clearly too the European commission needs to play its part by putting pressure on Spain to restrict delays at the border to the absolute minimum".

The Guardian

Usually the sericin content of the cocoon shell is at the maximum level at the outside layer 1 becoming progressively lower at the middle layers 2 and 3 and the absolute minimum at the inside layer 4 (Table 6).

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

And like Mr. Jacobs, though with more finesse and control, Mr. Simons feels a need at the moment to strip things down, to arrive at a clear shape with the absolute minimum of design.

The New York Times

"They're often poor-quality, inferior wines that have been sold at a 'full', concocted price for the absolute minimum period". One wine importer, who asked to remain nameless for obvious reasons, is more open still: "I often find myself touting a £7.99 wine that will actually sell mainly at £3.99.

The Guardian - Business

Although some car manufacturers use the currently available adaptive cruise control (ACC) to give the drivers the opportunity to manually choose the minimal headway, they set the absolute minimum headway at 0.9 s [20].

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the absolute minimum", ensure the context clearly defines what that minimum refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "at the absolute minimum" when you actually mean an average or typical amount. This phrase indicates the lowest possible acceptable level, not a common or expected one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the absolute minimum" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify a lower limit or essential requirement. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in setting expectations and defining acceptable thresholds.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

30%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the absolute minimum" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to specify the lowest acceptable level or requirement. Ludwig's analysis confirms its usage in various contexts, primarily in news, scientific, and wiki sources. While its frequency is classified as uncommon, the phrase serves a clear purpose in setting expectations and defining essential thresholds. Alternatives like "at the very least" or "as a bare minimum" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. It's important to use this phrase when indicating the lowest possible acceptable level, rather than an average or typical amount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the very least

This alternative emphasizes the least acceptable or possible option, similar to the original phrase but with a slightly stronger sense of insistence.

as a bare minimum

This phrase highlights the fundamental requirements, stripping away any non-essential aspects and focusing on the core elements.

at a minimum

This is a shorter, more concise version of the original phrase, suitable for contexts where brevity is preferred. It conveys the same basic meaning.

at the barest minimum

This alternative amplifies the sense of reduction, emphasizing the absolute lowest level that can be accepted or tolerated.

at rock bottom

This idiom conveys the idea of the lowest possible point or level, often used in situations of difficulty or crisis. It's more emphatic than the original phrase.

at the low end

This alternative highlights the lower boundary of a range or scale, indicating the least amount or value that is considered acceptable.

at the floor

This phrase suggests the absolute lowest boundary, often used in financial or economic contexts to indicate a limit or threshold.

if nothing else

This alternative emphasizes the crucial aspect, suggesting that even if all other things fail, this particular requirement must be met.

as an irreducible minimum

This phrase emphasizes that something cannot be made smaller or reduced further, highlighting its essential nature and unavoidable presence.

at the irreducible minimum

The phrase emphasizes that the specified amount cannot be further reduced, highlighting the absolute necessity.

FAQs

How can I use "at the absolute minimum" in a sentence?

Use "at the absolute minimum" to specify the lowest acceptable quantity or level. For example, "We need at the absolute minimum three people to complete this task effectively".

What's a more concise way to say "at the absolute minimum"?

You can use "at a minimum", which is a shorter and more direct alternative, suitable for most contexts.

Is there a difference between "at the absolute minimum" and "at the very least"?

While similar, "at the absolute minimum" emphasizes the lowest possible requirement, whereas "at the very least" suggests a more general baseline or expectation.

What is the difference between "as a bare minimum" and "at the absolute minimum"?

As a bare minimum suggests a more stripped-down, essential requirement, whereas "at the absolute minimum" simply indicates the lowest acceptable level. The former can imply a more frugal or basic approach.