maximum

American  

[mak-suh-muhm] / ˈmæk sə məm /

noun

plural

maximums, maxima

1. the greatest quantity or amount possible, assignable, allowable, etc.

2. the highest amount, value, or degree attained or recorded.

3. an upper limit allowed or allowable by law or regulation.

4. Mathematics.

   1. Also called relative maximum,.  Also called local maximum.  the value of a function at a certain point in its domain, which is greater than or equal to the values at all other points in the immediate vicinity of the point.

   2. the point in the domain at which a maximum occurs.

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adjective

1. that is a maximum; greatest or highest possible or attained.

   maximum satisfaction; maximum temperature.

2. pertaining to a maximum or maximums.

maximum British  

/ ˈmæksɪməm /

noun

1. the greatest possible amount, degree, etc

2. the highest value of a variable quantity

3. maths

   1. a value of a function that is greater than any neighbouring value

   2. a stationary point on a curve at which the tangent changes from a positive value on the left of this point to a negative value on the right Compare minimum

   3. the largest number in a set

4. astronomy

   1. the time at which the brightness of a variable star has its greatest value

   2. the magnitude of the star at that time

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adjective

1. of, being, or showing a maximum or maximums

maximum Scientific  

/ măk′sə-məm /

plural

maximums

1. The greatest known or greatest possible number, measure, quantity, or degree.

2. The greatest value of a mathematical function, if it has such a value.

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Other Word Forms

• maximumly adverb
• submaximum adjective

Etymology

Origin of maximum

First recorded in 1730–40; from Latin, noun use of neuter of maximus, superlative of magnus “great, large”

Explanation

Both a noun and an adjective, maximum takes it to the max: it means the most, the fastest, the biggest. "The most you can have is the maximum": that's the noun. In "the maximum amount is the most you can have," it's used as an adjective. You might be familiar with the shortened version of the word: the "max." If you take something "to the max," you're doing as much of it as possible. You take it to the limit. You take it to the maximum.

Example Sentences

The maximum power of the "boost" mode will be capped at 150kw, or the car's existing deployment level, if that is higher.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

The maximum cash proceeds will be capped in aggregate at 45%.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

It seems clear that both sides are trying to derive maximum leverage ahead of the next round of talks.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026

The maximum cash proceeds will be capped in aggregate at 45% of the transaction consideration, the companies said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

“LORE might give Calvin the maximum punishment for stealing the Msaidizi. They may take the Gift outta him or...they might erase his memory.”

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas

Related Words

• ceiling
• peak