at best

Idioms  

1. Under the most favorable circumstances, as in At best we'll be just one week behind schedule, or Cleaning out the attic is a tedious job at best. This idiom, formerly also put as at the best, today is most often used in situations that are actually far from ideal, as in the examples above. [First half of 1300s] For an antonym, see at worst.

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Example Sentences

This creates short-term duplication and confusion at best — and mid- to long-term losses, at worst.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

As a satire, it’s almost too implied — the filmmakers barely bother to develop their ideas, figuring correctly that people already agree the internet is, at best, a neutral-evil.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

The mantra “if it bleeds, it leads” has been, at best, a mixed bag for media over many decades.

From Slate • Apr. 7, 2026

I’m a heritage or vestigial Catholic, at best.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

I do the same—exit the car, I mean—but my grip on reality is feeble at best.

From "Odd One Out" by Nic Stone

Related Words

• at least
• partially
• slightly
• somewhat