minimal success

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minimal success" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where the outcome achieved is only slightly positive or not as significant as desired. Example: "Despite the challenges faced during the project, we achieved minimal success in reaching our target audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He has so far met with minimal success — through Tuesday raising only $696 from 12 donors.

The New York Times

Aside from the Tigers' opening drive, when they settled for a field goal, L.S.U. had minimal success moving the ball.

The New York Times - Sports

For 14 years, governments have been trying to shift power from the English centre, with minimal success apart from in London.

The Guardian - Opinion

Most of these hobbyists are women, a group that makers of computers, electronics and software have labored long and hard — with minimal success — to attract.

The New York Times

After that, with the likes of Luc Longley, Robinson, Blount, Oliver Miller and Rogers trying to defend him, the Suns had minimal success.

The New York Times - Sports

Dr. Frimmle concludes his letter to his colleague, "I have recently undergone a series of operations on my lungs with no more than minimal success.

The New Yorker

Unlike most high-level diplomatic meetings, this one was set up without much preparation and with no guarantees of even minimal success.

The New York Times

The Russians, who with only minimal success, had for years sought to make these companies provide law enforcement access to data within Russia, reacted angrily.

The New York Times

Unable to achieve more than minimal success with their respective patents and processes, the two companies pooled their resources in 1866, and thereafter steel production expanded rapidly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Orange, along with Donald, did not attempt a solo career, unlike Williams, Barlow and Owen, who enjoyed minimal chart success.

The Guardian - Music

Wilker, who works part time as an editor and proofreader in Chicago, has achieved minimal commercial success as a writer.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "minimal success", ensure the context clearly indicates what the expected or desired level of success was. This provides a clear contrast and highlights the limited achievement.

Common error

Avoid using "minimal success" when there was absolutely no positive outcome. Instead, opt for phrases like "complete failure" or "no success at all" to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minimal success" functions as a noun phrase typically used as the object of a verb or after a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It often describes the degree to which an attempt or effort has achieved a positive outcome, indicating that the outcome was small or limited.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

32%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "minimal success" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a situation where an endeavor achieves only a small or limited degree of positive outcome. Ludwig AI validates its usability, with examples spanning across news, scientific, and general writing contexts. While alternatives such as "limited success" or "slight success" exist, "minimal success" is versatile and widely understood. Remember to provide context to clearly define what the expected level of success was, creating a contrast to highlight the limited achievement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited success

Indicates a small degree of success, emphasizing the restriction in achievement.

little success

Simply states that the amount of success achieved was small.

slight success

Suggests a very small amount of success, focusing on the insignificance of the achievement.

meager success

Implies that the success is not only small but also inadequate or poor in quality.

modest success

Denotes a moderate amount of success, often implying humility or understatement.

scant success

Emphasizes the deficiency or lack of success, indicating it is barely present.

negligible success

Highlights that the success is so small it can be disregarded or is unimportant.

restricted success

Success is limited by constraints or conditions.

partial success

Only some aspects were successful.

token success

Success is more symbolic than real.

FAQs

How can I use "minimal success" in a sentence?

You can use "minimal success" to describe situations where efforts yielded a small or insufficient positive result. For example: "Despite the marketing campaign, the product launch met with "minimal success"."

What are some alternatives to "minimal success"?

Alternatives to "minimal success" include "limited success", "slight success", or "meager success", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "minimal success" or "no success"?

The choice depends on the outcome. "Minimal success" indicates some positive results, however small. "No success" means there were no positive results at all. Choose the phrase that most accurately reflects the situation.

What is the difference between "minimal success" and "marginal success"?

"Minimal success" implies a low degree of achievement. "Marginal success" also indicates a small degree of success, but it often suggests that the success is just barely enough to be considered worthwhile.