minus

noun

(mathematics) The minus sign (−).

(mathematics) A negative quantity.

A downside or disadvantage.

A surname.

verb

(transitive, colloquial) To subtract.

adjective

Being a negative quantity; pertaining to a deficit or reduction.

That is below zero by (a specified amount) on a scale.

(postpositive) Ranking just below (a designated rating).

(colloquial, obsolete) Worse off than before; out of pocket.

Roots

minusminus- · Latin · less

Synonyms for minus

negativeadj plusn subtrahendn minuendn lessadj

Synonyms & related words for minus

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of minus — including negative, plus, subtrahend, minuend, less. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to minus

Explore words related to minus — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include subtraction, subtract, zero, equals, subzero, nonnegative, nil, deducting. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for minus

Common synonyms for minus include negative, plus, subtrahend, minuend, less — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does minus come from?

The word minus breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root minus-, from Latin minus (“less”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.