minimisation

Everyday

1. Making something as small as possible: «the minimisation of waste». tree →
2. (maths) Finding the smallest possible value of something under some rules. tree →
3. Making a problem seem less serious than it really is: «minimisation of bullying is harmful». tree →

In the lessons

In maths, minimisation problems ask for the smallest cost, distance or time: for example, the shortest path on a map. In science and the environment, «waste minimisation» means producing less rubbish. In safety and wellbeing, minimising a problem (saying «it's nothing» when someone is hurt) can stop people getting help. Phrases: «waste minimisation», «risk minimisation».

Examples

• The school has a waste minimisation plan. tree →
• Risk minimisation means wearing a helmet when cycling. tree →
• The maths puzzle was about minimisation of the travel distance. tree →
• Minimisation of costs helped the club save money. tree →
• Saying «it's just teasing» can be a minimisation of bullying. tree →
• Engineers work on the minimisation of energy use. tree →
• Minimisation and maximisation are both kinds of optimisation. tree →
• The minimisation of plastic packaging is good for the oceans. tree →

Note

Uncountable. UK/Australia/NZ «minimisation», US/Canada «minimization». Verb: minimise/minimize. In maths, minimisation means finding the least value allowed by the rules – not always zero.