'small-scale' originates from the combination of 'small' and 'scale', where 'small' meant 'little in size' and 'scale' referred to 'a graduated range of values'.

'small-scale' evolved from the combination of the Old English word 'smæl' and the Latin word 'scala', eventually becoming the modern English term 'small-scale'.

Initially, it meant 'little in size on a range', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'involving a small number or amount'.