lowest common denominator

noun

, Mathematics.

1. least common denominator.

lowest common denominator

noun

1. the smallest integer or polynomial that is exactly divisible by each denominator of a set of fractions AbbreviationLCDlcd Also calledleast common denominator

lowest common denominator

/ lō′ĭst /

1. The least common multiple of the denominators of a set of fractions. For example, the lowest common denominator of 1 3 and 3 4 is 12.

lowest common denominator

1. The smallest number that can be divided evenly into two other numbers ( see common denominator ). When fractions with different denominators are added together, their denominators have to be made the same; thus, fractions with denominators of nine and twelve have thirty-six as a lowest common denominator. Seventy-two and 108 are also common denominators for fractions with denominators of nine and twelve, but thirty-six is the lowest.

Notes

The term lowest common denominator is often used to indicate a lowering of quality resulting from a desire to find common ground for many people: “This fall's TV programming finds the lowest common denominator of taste.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of lowest common denominator¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

“Elderly female action star” is a cute premise, but Margolin makes the most of it without infantilizing his heroine or otherwise resorting to lowest common denominator humor.

From Los Angeles Times

His brand of toiletry involves writing stories for the absolutely lowest common denominator of homo sapiens.

From Salon

American politics is a study in the lowest common denominator.

From Salon

“He was just angry because he knew it could be better. He had no patience for people who were phoning it in or reaching for the lowest common denominator.”

From New York Times

When prison officials use bad behavior from a few as an excuse to take away technology access more broadly, they’re generalizing malicious intent and governing from the lowest common denominator.

From Slate