at best

Idioms and Phrases

Under the most favorable circumstances, as in At best we'll be just one week behind schedule , or Cleaning out the attic is a tedious job at best . This idiom, formerly also put as at the best , today is most often used in situations that are actually far from ideal, as in the examples above. [First half of 1300s] For an antonym, see at worst .

Example Sentences

“Emilia Pérez” is Netflix’s top priority this awards season, with the streamer believing it has a shot at best picture in a field with no clear front-runner.

From Los Angeles Times

The results were disheartening at best, and at worst, frightening.

From Salon

The atmosphere at the Coliseum on Saturday was lukewarm at best, a hollow homecoming, loads of great Nebraska fans often making more noise than their Trojans seatmates.

From Los Angeles Times

Other measures did little to save houses — such as clearing nearby flammable vegetation beyond 15 feet around the house, which, at best, reduced the risk by 3%.

From Los Angeles Times

While the Kremlin has tried blocking the service, results have been mixed at best — and nowadays TOR is less necessary, as there are plenty of mirrors on the clear web.

From Salon

Related Words

• at least
• partially
• slightly
• somewhat