utmost

American  

[uht-mohst, -muhst] / ˈʌtˌmoʊst, -məst /

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.

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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 British  

/ ˈʌtˌməʊst /

adjective

1. of the greatest possible degree or amount

   the utmost degree

2. at the furthest limit

   the utmost town on the peninsula

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noun

1. the greatest possible degree, extent, or amount

   he tried his utmost

Etymology

Origin of utmost

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

Example Sentences

But residents still "need to continue exercising utmost caution regarding bear sightings".

From Barron's

The club said it prides itself on putting "the best interests of players first", and the matter is being treated with the "utmost urgency".

From BBC

UN education envoy Gordon Brown called on the international community to "do our utmost" to support efforts to return the abducted children.

From BBC

Maybe it’s because this film is now out in the world, but I think back on this time with the utmost nostalgia.

From Los Angeles Times

The government ordered an investigation with the "utmost urgency" so that "the perpetrators, their collaborators, and their sponsors are identified and brought to justice without delay."

From Barron's

Related Words

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