utmost

[ uht-mohstor, especially British, -muhst ]

adjective

1. of the greatest or highest degree, quantity, or the like; greatest:

   of the utmost importance.

   Synonyms: major, chief, foremost, maximum

2. being at the farthest point or extremity; farthest:

   the utmost reef of the island.

noun

1. Also the greatest degree or amount:

   the utmost that can be said;

   The hotel provides the utmost in comfort.

2. the most or best of one's abilities, powers, etc.:

   He did his utmost to finish on time.

3. the extreme limit or extent:

   His patience was taxed to the utmost.

utmost

/ ˈʌtˌməʊst /

adjective

1. of the greatest possible degree or amount

   the utmost degree

2. at the furthest limit

   the utmost town on the peninsula

noun

1. the greatest possible degree, extent, or amount

   he tried his utmost

Word History and Origins

Origin of utmost¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English utmest, Old English ūtemest; equivalent to out + -most

Word History and Origins

Origin of utmost¹

Old English ūtemest, from ūte out + -mest most

Example Sentences

The Miss South Africa organisation in a statement said Ms Le Roux's health and well-being "are our utmost priority" and pledged to support her until she "returns to full health".

From BBC

“So for me, it’s respect everybody. I’m going to guard everybody with utmost respect. I’m not going to sleep on nobody.”

From Los Angeles Times

And I mean this with the utmost humility because I know how tiny this is.

From Salon

The spokesperson said the "health and wellbeing" of everyone on the show are always "the utmost priority".

From BBC

Her mother had always loved animals, had cats and dogs and used to volunteer at their local rescue centre - and would do "her utmost" to get back to her pets.

From BBC

Related Words

• absolute
• all-out
• sheer
• ultimate
• unconditional