least

[ leest ]

adjective

1. smallest in size, amount, degree, etc.; slightest:

   He gave the least amount of money of anyone.

2. lowest in consideration, position, or importance.

noun

1. something that is least; the least amount, quantity, degree, etc.
2. South Midland U.S. the youngest in a family or group.

adverb

1. to the smallest extent, amount, or degree:

   That's the least important question of all. He talks least.

least

/ liːst /

determiner

1. 1. the least the superlative of little

      you have the least talent of anyone

   2. ( as pronoun; functioning as sing )

      least isn't necessarily worst

2. at least
   at least
   1. if nothing else

      you should at least try

   2. at the least
3. at the least
   at the leastat least at the minimum

   at the least you should earn a hundred pounds

4. in the least
   in the least usually used with a negative in the slightest degree; at all

   I don't mind in the least

adverb

1. See little
   the least
   the least superlative of little

   they travel the least of all

adjective

1. of very little importance or rank

Word History and Origins

Origin of least¹

First recorded before 950; Middle English leest(e), Old English lǣst, superlative of lǣssa; less

Word History and Origins

Origin of least¹

Old English lǣst, superlative of lǣssa less

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. at least, Also at the least.
   1. at the lowest estimate or figure:

      The repairs will cost at least $100.

   2. at any rate; in any case:

      You didn't get a good grade, but at least you passed the course.

2. not in the least, not in the smallest degree; not at all:

   I am not in the least concerned about the outcome of the World Series.

More idioms and phrases containing least

• at least
• in the least
• last but not least
• to say the least

Example Sentences

To be fair, this is one of the least-insulting comparisons Watters could have made.

From The Daily Beast

The Mosel region is arguably the most storied, least-understood wine region in the world.

From The Daily Beast

He has one of the least-lined faces of anyone I have ever met.

From The Daily Beast

The New York/New Jersey/Long Island metropolitan region is the fourth-least-equal U.S. metro region, according to one study.

From The Daily Beast

When you're among the least-prepared students in the class, you're likely to struggle.

From The Daily Beast

I assure you I am very sorry for critics all round,they are the least-regarded and worst-rewarded of all the literary community.

From Project Gutenberg

These eight little volumes will always remain Borrow's least-read books.

From Project Gutenberg

On Alaska alone, the least-known section of the Pacific coast, there is a bibliographical list of four thousand.

From Project Gutenberg

So far Maui had the luck which so commonly attends the youngest and least-considered child in folklore and mythology.

From Project Gutenberg

Least-wise, he would rot in a sewer near a busy bus stop replete with all the dronings of archaic feet.

From Project Gutenberg