Crossword Genius

Negligible little Malcolm (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

minimal

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'negligible' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'little malcolm' is the wordplay.
'little' becomes 'mini'.
'malcolm' becomes 'mal' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'mini'+'mal'='MINIMAL'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for minimal that I've seen before include "Very little" , "Of a smallest amount" , "Token" , "Very small, the least possible (7)" , "barely worth considering" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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