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

“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

"David's welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period. We are not in a position to comment further at this stage."

From BBC

Trump would outright encourage Netanyahu to do his utmost—and maybe even send the U.S.

From Slate

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

Related Words

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