marginal

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈmɑːdʒɪnl/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈmɑːrdʒɪnl/
• SAMPA: /"mA:(r)%dZIn.@l/
• Hyphenation: mar‧gin‧al

Adjective

Positive marginal

Comparative more marginal

Superlative most marginal

1. If something is marginal, it is not very large, important or central.

   But this discussion is marginal to the real issue.

2. (in finance) The marginal profit, tax rate, etc. is the percent earned or paid on one more unit of production or income.

   Large scale economies tend to mean that the marginal cost of serving an additional customer is either zero or very small.

3. If something is marginal, it is low quality, almost unacceptable.

   His writing is marginal at best. I don't think he'll pass.

4. If something is marginal, it is written in a margin.

   I can't read the marginal notes.

Synonyms

• borderline
• insignificant
• minor
• low
• small
• minimal

Antonyms

• central
• primary
• main

Related words

• margin