Showing results for "least"

• superlative of little.

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

The preparatory talks had seen "coordinated attacks across the negotiation rooms by the small number of fossil fuel interests", said Manjeet Dhakal, an adviser to the 44-nation Least Developed Countries bloc.

From Barron's • Jun. 17, 2026

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

“She learning. Least she... trying to learn,” but I kind of snort at this.

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett