minus

noun

UK/ˈmaɪ.nəs/
US/ˈmaɪ.nəs/

Definitions of minus noun

disadvantage

  1. Countable

    a disadvantage or undesirable aspect of something

    • The long commute is definitely a minus.

    • The main minus of this product is its price.

    • The poor service at that restaurant is a minus.

symbol

  1. Countable

    the symbol (-) indicating subtraction or a negative value

    • Please use the minus sign in the equation.

    • Negative five is written as -5, with a minus sign in front.

    • In math, the minus sign represents subtraction.

adjective

UK/ˈmaɪ.nəs/
US/ˈmaɪ.nəs/

Definitions of minus adjective

number

  1. Before noun

    a quantity less than zero

    • Minus numbers are located to the left of zero on the number line.

    • Today's stock market performance was minus.

    • We must take into account minus results.

temperature

  1. Before noun

    used to indicate temperatures below zero

    • The low temperature tomorrow is expected to be minus five degrees.

    • Temperatures in the polar regions are often minus.

    • We must prepare for minus temperatures.

grade

  1. After noun

    slightly below a specified grade or standard

    • This report received a grade of B minus.

    • His assignment was graded B minus, indicating room for improvement.

    • Her test score was A minus, just shy of a perfect score.

disadvantage

  1. Before noun

    describing a drawback or disadvantage

    • The major minus of this approach is the high cost.

    • Lack of experience is a minus factor in his job search.

    • A minus of this project is the short time constraint.

preposition

UK/ˈmaɪ.nəs/
US/ˈmaɪ.nəs/

Definitions of minus preposition

  1. A2

    with a specified number subtracted

    • The total is $200, minus the $50 already paid.

    • Fifteen minus seven equals eight.

    • Please subtract the tax from the total amount minus.

  2. informal

    lacking or without

    • We are minus a chair; could you grab one from the next room?

    • Our team is minus one member due to illness.

    • We are minus some resources due to budget cuts.