minimally viable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minimally viable" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of product development or business to describe a version of a product that has just enough features to be functional and meet the needs of early users. Example: "The team decided to launch a minimally viable product to gather user feedback before investing in further development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

FOR USER FEEDBACK Once you've tested an idea and built your minimally viable product, it's important to get as much feedback as you can from the people in your target market.

The New York Times

We spent several months generating plans and MVPs (minimally viable products), which we pitched to Digium's board of directors.

TechCrunch

For Startup Alley, we highly recommend that you have a minimally viable product to exhibit but it's not required.

TechCrunch

Eric Ries has put the concept of the minimally viable product (MVP) front and center in the minds of Silicon Valley startups.

TechCrunch

The "sandbox", as Moorjani would call it, is a joint venture between IAC and Xtreme Labs, and aims to grow mobile startups that are scalable and move beyond being minimally viable, and actually offer the user a sense of delight.

TechCrunch

Eight management units (MU) were proposed and were aiming at the MU's ability to maintain minimally viable populations and a higher genetic variability.

Biochemical Systematics and Ecology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Similarly, embedding electrodes directly in healthy skull would be a viable minimally-invasive option for many other neuroscience and neurotechnology applications requiring chronic brain recordings.

Journal of Neuroscience Methods

In the absence of recombination, minimally half the progeny of a viable infection are themselves viable because their genome is descended from the mutation-free transcribed strand of the parent; progeny survival follows e− U 1 + e− U /2.

Genetics

PEBBLE nanosensors are submicron-sized optical sensors designed specifically for minimally invasive analyte monitoring in viable single cells with applications for real-time analysis of drug, toxin, and environmental effects on cell function.

Optical Biosensors Present and Future

Mounting evidence suggests that once excreted into the environment, M. bovis cells can survive for substantial periods of time (several months to years [1], [6], [7], [8], [9]) with a significant proportion of cells (minimally c. 30%) intact and viable [3], [10], [11], [12].

Plosone

Thus, we feel that our minimally invasive technique is a viable alternative for the treatment of intraarticular, dislocated calcaneal fractures.

Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "minimally viable" to describe a product or solution that focuses on core functionality to achieve immediate value, not long-term optimization. It helps prioritize speed and learning.

Common error

Avoid equating a "minimally viable" product or solution with something unfinished or lacking essential quality. While lean, it should still deliver a complete and satisfactory user experience for its core purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minimally viable" primarily functions as a compound adjective used to describe a product, strategy, or concept that possesses the fewest features or resources necessary to be functional or successful. Ludwig AI confirms its use in describing essential functionalities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "minimally viable" is a compound adjective that effectively conveys the concept of something being just functional enough to meet a specific purpose or validate an idea. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's commonly used in business, technology, and scientific contexts, with a professional and neutral tone. When using this phrase, ensure you're emphasizing efficiency and strategic prioritization, and avoid confusing it with incompleteness. Alternatives such as "barely functional" or "essentially operational" can provide slightly different nuances depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimally functional

Similar to the original, but emphasizes the functionality aspect directly.

just functional enough

Highlights the sufficiency of the functionality, implying no excess.

just about sufficient

Focuses on the marginal sufficiency of the viable aspect.

barely functional

Emphasizes the limited functionality, suggesting it barely meets the requirements.

viable in its simplest form

Emphasizes the elemental viability and lack of complexity.

essentially operational

Stresses the core operational aspect, minimizing other considerations.

basic yet feasible

Indicates a simple foundation that is nonetheless practical and achievable.

rudimentary but workable

Focuses on the basic and undeveloped nature while still being operational.

serviceable at a minimum

Implies that it meets the basic requirements to provide service.

scarcely adequate

Highlights that something barely meets the needed requirements or standards.

FAQs

How is the term "minimally viable" typically used in business?

In business, "minimally viable" often describes a product with just enough features to attract early-adopter customers and validate a product idea early in the development cycle. It helps businesses gather user feedback with less effort and expense.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "minimally viable"?

Alternatives include phrases like "barely functional", "just functional enough", or "essentially operational", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is a "minimally viable" product the same as a prototype?

While both are early versions, a "minimally viable" product is designed to be functional and provide real value to users, whereas a prototype is primarily for internal testing and demonstration. The goal of the "minimally viable" product is to validate market demand and gather feedback from initial users.

How does focusing on a "minimally viable" approach benefit startups?

By focusing on a "minimally viable" approach, startups can quickly test their core assumptions, minimize wasted resources on features that don't resonate with users, and adapt more efficiently to changing market demands. This approach reduces the risk of building a product nobody wants.