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

If you really value something, after all, you will do your utmost to preserve it.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko later on Sunday said on X that "the people of Ukraine deserve not only utmost respect but to be heard -- and learned from."

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

The commander of the IDF's Central Command, which is responsible for the West Bank, insisted it saw the incidents "with the utmost severity".

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

“The stability of the region is of the utmost importance,” she told reporters at a press conference alongside Swiss President Guy Parmelin, as the two sides signed a package of economic agreements.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026

Then he took the bow and did his utmost to string it.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

Related Words

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