minimax: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Academic / Specialised
Quick answer
What does “minimax” mean?
A strategy in game theory, decision theory, and statistics designed to minimise the maximum possible loss (or, equivalently, maximise the minimum possible gain).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A strategy in game theory, decision theory, and statistics designed to minimise the maximum possible loss (or, equivalently, maximise the minimum possible gain).
The term also refers to the optimal solution or value found via this strategy. In AI, it's a backtracking algorithm used in two-player turn-based games to minimise the possible loss for a worst-case scenario. Informally, it can describe a cautious, risk-averse approach.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are identical. The concept is equally used in both academic and technical spheres.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both variants. No cultural or connotative divergence.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both regions. Slightly higher frequency in contexts related to game theory, AI, and operations research.
Grammar
How to Use “minimax” in a Sentence
NP V the minimax solutionNP utilise/apply a minimax strategyThe algorithm ADJ minimaxThe principle of NP (minimax)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “minimax” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The programme is designed to minimax the opponent's advantage.
- We need to minimax our potential losses in this negotiation.
American English
- The algorithm will minimax the possible negative outcomes.
- A good general must know how to minimax in complex scenarios.
adverb
British English
- The team decided to proceed minimax, prioritising safety over high rewards. (rare)
American English
- He argued minimax, focusing on avoiding the worst-case scenario. (rare)
adjective
British English
- They adopted a minimax strategy for the portfolio.
- The minimax theorem provides a foundational framework.
American English
- He took a minimax approach to the investment decision.
- This is a classic minimax problem in game theory.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in corporate strategy and decision-making under uncertainty to protect against worst-case outcomes, e.g., in investment or project planning.
Academic
Central term in mathematics (game theory, statistics), economics, political science, and computer science (AI, algorithms).
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation. Might appear in advanced discussions about strategy in games like chess.
Technical
Core term in operations research, AI programming (game-playing algorithms like for chess or Go), and statistical decision theory.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “minimax”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “minimax”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “minimax”
- Using 'minimax' as a synonym for 'minimal' or 'minimum'.
- Confusing 'minimax' (minimise loss) with 'maximin' (maximise gain) in non-zero-sum contexts.
- Incorrect stress: /mɪˈnaɪ.mæks/ (should be on the first syllable).
- Using it in everyday contexts where 'cautious' or 'risk-averse' would be clearer.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While a minimax strategy is inherently cautious, it is a formal, mathematical model for optimising decisions under conflict or uncertainty, specifically aiming to minimise the worst-case loss. General caution lacks this precise quantitative framework.
Yes, though less common than its noun and adjective forms. In technical writing, one might say 'the algorithm minimaxes the opponent's score,' meaning it applies the minimax principle.
In zero-sum game theory, they are dual and equivalent concepts: minimax focuses on minimising your maximum loss, while maximin focuses on maximising your minimum gain. The resulting optimal value is the same. In other contexts, the emphasis can differ slightly.
No. 'Minimax' is a specialised term. For everyday communication, words like 'cautious strategy', 'risk-averse plan', or 'playing it safe' are far more appropriate and understandable.
A strategy in game theory, decision theory, and statistics designed to minimise the maximum possible loss (or, equivalently, maximise the minimum possible gain).
Minimax is usually technical / academic / specialised in register.
Minimax: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪn.ɪ.mæks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪn.ə.mæks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Playing a minimax game (metaphorical for being extremely cautious)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'I want to MINImise the MAXimum pain.' A poker player uses MINIMAX to avoid their biggest possible loss.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRATEGY IS WAR (cautious warfare); DECISION-MAKING IS NAVIGATION (choosing the path with the least dangerous cliff).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'minimax' MOST precisely and originally defined?