minus sign: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal. Common in mathematical, scientific, and technical contexts; used metaphorically in general writing.
Quick answer
What does “minus sign” mean?
The mathematical symbol (−) used to denote subtraction, a negative value, or a deficiency.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The mathematical symbol (−) used to denote subtraction, a negative value, or a deficiency.
A symbol used more broadly to indicate absence, disadvantage, or a reduction; metaphorically, a negative factor or drawback.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or use. Terminology for the symbol itself is identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations in technical usage. In metaphorical use, both varieties understand it as indicating a negative aspect.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties within technical domains.
Grammar
How to Use “minus sign” in a Sentence
The minus sign [VERB] (e.g., appears, indicates, denotes)[NOUN] + minus sign (e.g., temperature minus sign, bank balance minus sign)minus sign + [PREP] + [NOUN] (e.g., minus sign in front of the number)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “minus sign” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Minus-sign this value to show it's a debit.
American English
- You need to minus-sign that entry in the ledger.
adjective
British English
- The minus-sign value was highlighted in red.
American English
- Check for any minus-sign balances in the account.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In financial reporting to indicate losses or deficits: 'The final figure had a minus sign in front of it.'
Academic
In mathematics and science papers to denote negative values or subtraction operations.
Everyday
When discussing temperatures or checking bank balances: 'Look, there's a minus sign next to the temperature.'
Technical
Precise use in programming, engineering, and data fields to specify negative integers or the subtraction operator.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “minus sign”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “minus sign”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “minus sign”
- Using a hyphen (-) instead of the true, slightly longer minus sign (−) in formal typesetting.
- Omitting the space after the minus sign when writing negative numbers in running text (e.g., 'a -5°C day' is better than 'a -5°C day').
- Confusing the minus sign (operation) with an en-dash or hyphen when listing ranges.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In professional typesetting (e.g., maths, science), the minus sign (−) is distinct from and slightly longer than a hyphen (-). On many keyboards, they share the same key, which is acceptable for informal use.
You say 'minus ten' or 'negative ten'. 'Negative ten' is more common in US English, especially in maths and science. 'Minus ten' is common in both UK and US English.
Yes. It can metaphorically indicate a drawback or disadvantage. For example: 'His lack of experience is a definite minus sign for the role.'
Immediately before the number, without a space (e.g., -7). In some formal writing, a narrow non-breaking space may be used, but the closed form (-7) is standard.
The mathematical symbol (−) used to denote subtraction, a negative value, or a deficiency.
Minus sign is usually neutral to formal. common in mathematical, scientific, and technical contexts; used metaphorically in general writing. in register.
Minus sign: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪ.nəs saɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪ.nəs saɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On the minus side of the ledger”
- “A big minus sign next to his name (metaphorical for a major drawback).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a thermometer in winter: the line of mercury goes DOWN below zero, just like the short horizontal line of the minus sign.
Conceptual Metaphor
NEGATIVE IS DOWN / LACK / BAD (e.g., 'temperatures are in the minus', 'his attitude is a big minus').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'minus sign' LEAST likely to be used precisely?