WordLens

marginal

1 of 2adjective
/ˈmɑrdʒənl/
Forms:more marginal,most marginal
1

away from borders or edges with a little or no distance

  • The marginal notes in the textbook helped explain the main concepts.
  • The paper had marginal space left on the edges for notes and comments.
  • The house was located in a marginal zone of the city, not far from the main roads.
  • The marginal space in the corner of the room was used to store extra supplies.
  • The restaurant was located in a marginal area of the city, away from the main attractions.
Synonyms:
outersurroundingperipheralfringyborderlineedgefringe
2

having limited significance or importance

C1
  • The impact of the proposed changes on productivity was marginal.
  • Her role in the project was marginal, as she only provided occasional assistance.
  • The improvement in performance was marginal despite the team's efforts.
  • The difference in quality between the two products was marginal.
  • The changes made to the design were marginal and did not significantly alter the product.
Synonyms:
accidentalpifflinglittlepiddlingfrivoloustrivialperipheralinconsequentialminorminimalmerepettyunimportantincidentalborderlinelilliputianpaltryunremarkablelimitedlightnuancedinsignificantsmallpicayunepassingslightofftriflingmicroscopic
3

(of a land) having limited productivity, often only capable of producing enough to cover the costs of farming

  • The crops on marginal land barely meet the expenses of cultivation.
  • Farmers often struggle with marginal land that yields minimal profits.
  • Due to its poor soil quality, the farm is located on marginal land.
  • Marginal land can require extra effort to remain viable for farming.
  • Many small-scale farmers are forced to use marginal land to survive.
Synonyms:
barrensterileunproductiveinfertile
4

not part of the main group

  • The project focuses on improving conditions for marginal communities.
  • Marginal workers struggle to secure fair wages and benefits.
  • The book examines how marginal cultures have been suppressed in mainstream society.
  • Marginal communities need more support.
Synonyms:
neglecteddisadvantaged
5

below the expected standard

  • His performance in the exam was marginal.
  • The restaurant received marginal reviews from critics.
  • They live in marginal conditions, with limited access to basic amenities.
  • The team's performance was marginal, falling short of expectations.
Synonyms:
cheaptrashyrubbishychintzysubstandardcrummycheesysecond-rateinferioroffshoddylow-gradesubparbumpiffyshabbycoarse
6

having the capacity to be won or lost by only a few votes in an election

  • The candidate focused heavily on securing marginal seats to win the election.
  • The party invested significant resources in campaigning for marginal constituencies.
  • In a close race, the outcome often depends on who can win the marginal districts.
  • The government is worried about losing several key marginal seats in the upcoming election.