Minus — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

preposition noun adjective /ˈmī-nəs/ mi·nus

Meaning & Definition of Minus

Minus (preposition)

  1. diminished by, less
  2. deprived of, without

Minus (noun)

  1. a negative quantity
  2. a negative quality; especially, drawback

Minus (adjective)

  1. algebraically negative
  2. having a negative quality
  3. relating to or being a particular one of the two mating types that are required for successful fertilization in sexual reproduction in some lower plants (such as a fungus)

Minus (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a feature of someone or something that creates difficulty for achieving success

    "a plan with lots of pluses and only a few minuses"

    similar: debit, disadvantage, disbenefit, downside, drawback, handicap, incommodity, liability, negative, strike
    related: albatross, millstone, stranglehold, disability, impairment, failing, shortcoming, bar, catch, check, clog, crimp, embarrassment, hindrance, hitch, hurdle, impediment, interference, let, manacle, obstacle, obstruction, rub, shackle, stop, trammel
    opposite: advantage, asset, edge, plus
    near: vantage, head start, jump, lead, margin, start, ascendancy, better, command, control, drop, mastery, predominance, superiority, supremacy, transcendence, upper hand, prerogative, privilege, break, opportunity, aid, assistance, help

Minus (preposition) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not having

    "the contraption was like a giant carousel minus the horses"

    similar: absent, sans, wanting, without

Related Entry: Plus or minus (adverb)

Plus or minus is a different word from Minus. The synonyms below are for plus or minus, not for minus.

  1. close to but not exactly

    "I have plus or minus five dollars in change"

    similar: about, approximately, around, like, more or less, much, near, roughly, say, some, after a fashion, somewhere about, somewhere around
    related: generally, kind of, loosely, nearly, nominally, practically, virtually, well-nigh
    opposite: exactly, precisely
    near: due, even, just, sharp, smack-dab, squarely

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Minus

The most common words with a similar meaning to Minus:

debit, disadvantage, disbenefit, downside, drawback, handicap, incommodity, liability, negative, strike, absent, sans, wanting, without

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Minus

Words with the opposite meaning of Minus:

advantage, asset, edge, plus

Related Words for Minus

albatross, millstone, stranglehold, disability, impairment, failing, shortcoming, bar, catch, check, clog, crimp, embarrassment, hindrance, hitch, hurdle, impediment, interference, let, manacle, obstacle, obstruction, rub, shackle, stop, trammel

Near Antonyms of Minus

vantage, head start, jump, lead, margin, start, ascendancy, better, command, control, drop, mastery, predominance, superiority, supremacy, transcendence, upper hand, prerogative, privilege, break, opportunity, aid, assistance, help

Origin & Etymology of Minus

Middle English, from Latin minus, adverb, less, from neuter of minor smaller minor

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Minus

  • Topics: Numbers & Quantities, Grammar Function Words

Words & Phrases Containing Minus

minus sign, plus or minus, on the minus side

Frequently Asked Questions about Minus

What does "Minus" mean?

"Minus" means diminished by, less. As an a preposition, a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: diminished by, less. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Minus"?

Other words for "Minus" include debit, disadvantage, disbenefit, downside, drawback, handicap, incommodity and liability. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Minus" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Minus"?

There are 40 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Minus". Common alternatives include debit, disadvantage, disbenefit, downside, drawback, handicap, incommodity, liability, negative and strike.

What is the opposite of "Minus"?

Antonyms of "Minus" include advantage, asset, edge and plus. Near antonyms include vantage, head start, jump and lead.

How do you use "Minus" in a sentence?

Examples of "Minus" in a sentence: "a plan with lots of pluses and only a few minuses"; "the contraption was like a giant carousel minus the horses".

Is "Minus" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Minus" can be used as a preposition, a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Minus"?

"Minus" is pronounced /ˈmī-nəs/ and divided into syllables as mi·nus.

What is the origin of the word "Minus"?

"Minus" comes from Middle English, from Latin minus, adverb, less, from neuter of minor smaller minor. First known use: 15th century.