marginal

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mar|gin|al /m'ɑːrdʒɪnəl/ (marginals)
1 [ADJ]
If you describe something as marginal, you mean that it is small or not very important.
This is a marginal improvement on October...
The role of the opposition party proved marginal.
2 [ADJ]
If you describe people as marginal, you mean that they are not involved in the main events or developments in society because they are poor or have no power.
The tribunals were established for the well-integrated members of society and not for marginal individuals...
≠ mainstream
3 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
In political elections, a marginal seat or constituency is one which is usually won or lost by only a few votes, and is therefore of great interest to politicians and journalists. (BRIT)
...the views of voters in five marginal seats.
[N-COUNT]
A marginal is a marginal seat. (BRIT)
The votes in the marginals are those that really count...
4 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
Marginal activities, costs, or taxes are not the main part of a business or an economic system, but often make the difference between its success or failure, and are therefore important to control. (BUSINESS)
The analysts applaud the cuts in marginal businesses, but insist the company must make deeper sacrifices...

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