in the least

Idioms

Also, in the slightest. At all, in the smallest degree. These terms are nearly always used in a negative context. For example, I don't care in the least what you do with the money, or It doesn't matter in the slightest whether or not you attend. [c. 1600] They may also be put as not in the least or not in the slightest, as in I am not in the least worried about the outcome, or The heat doesn't bother me in the slightest. In the least dates from about 1600; in the slightest has been used in the sense of “emphatically unimportant or trifling” since the late 1500s.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Coordinated expenditure limits last year for Senate candidates ranged from $123,600 in the least populated states to $3,772,100 in the most.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 7, 2025

We made great friends with our new neighbors, one of whom is an actor and not in the least bit flaky.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2025

American carries more debt than Delta or United, but it also has the newest fleet among the three and is probably in the least rush to replace aging jets.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 28, 2025

Therefore, we should not be in the least surprised to hear shortly of a deal between Maxwell and the government.

From Slate • Jul. 25, 2025

“It’s never too soon to worry,” said Minya, who, unlike the rest of them, didn’t seem worried in the least.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023