least

American  

[leest] / list /

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.

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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.

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.

least British  

/ liːst /

determiner

1. 1. the superlative of little

      you have the least talent of anyone

   2. ( as pronoun; functioning as sing )

      least isn't necessarily worst

2. 1. if nothing else

      you should at least try

   2. at the least

3. at the minimum

   at the least you should earn a hundred pounds

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

   I don't mind in the least

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adverb

1. superlative of little

   they travel the least of all

adjective

1. of very little importance or rank

least More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing least

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

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Etymology

Origin of least

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

Example Sentences

Mr. Woodson is founder and president of the Woodson Center and author of “Lessons From the Least of These.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

"I have heard figures in the corridors, but nothing official," said Evans Njewa, chair for the Least Developed Countries Group.

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2024

Least surprising of the unsurprising Emmy wins I believed many things to be true when we tuned into the ceremony Sunday night.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 2024

Least expensive: “A Polaroid of an apparition of the Virgin Mary in a glass structure in Clearwater, Fla. I got it on eBay for $7.”

From New York Times • May 16, 2024

Least till the thought of even passing by one isn't enough to make me choke up and start bawling about Mama.

From "Miracle's Boys" by Jacqueline Woodson