marginal

//ˈmɑːrdʒɪnəl//
C1Frequency Level 10Formal
Visual representation of marginal

Adjective

marginalCanonical form
more marginalComparative
most marginalSuperlative
1

Of minor importance or significance; not central or essential.

The issue is marginal to the main discussion.

2

At or near the edge or margin; peripheral.

The factory was built in a marginal area of the city.

3

Very small in amount or degree; barely adequate or sufficient.

The company reported only a marginal profit this year.

4

Relating to or situated at the margin of a page or document.

The student made marginal notes in the textbook.

5

(Economics) Relating to goods or services produced and sold at the margin of profitability.

The company decided to stop producing marginal products that barely covered their costs.

Noun

1

(British politics) A parliamentary constituency where the incumbent has a small majority and could easily lose to another party.

The party is focusing its campaign efforts on key marginals.