least
Americanadjective
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smallest in size, amount, degree, etc.; slightest.
He gave the least amount of money of anyone.
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lowest in consideration, position, or importance.
noun
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something that is least; the least amount, quantity, degree, etc.
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South Midland U.S. the youngest in a family or group.
adverb
idioms
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at least, Also at the least.
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at the lowest estimate or figure.
The repairs will cost at least $100.
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at any rate; in any case.
You didn't get a good grade, but at least you passed the course.
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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.
determiner
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the superlative of little
you have the least talent of anyone
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( as pronoun; functioning as sing )
least isn't necessarily worst
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if nothing else
you should at least try
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at the least
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at the minimum
at the least you should earn a hundred pounds
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(usually used with a negative) in the slightest degree; at all
I don't mind in the least
adverb
adjective
Etymology
Origin of least
First recorded before 950; Middle English leest(e), Old English lǣst, superlative of lǣssa; see less
Vocabulary lists containing least
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.
“At least earning enough money to get by.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026
“There is clearly a need to at least manage the spending going forward and not be as ambitious,” said Tim Callen, a visiting fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026
There was also at least one direct or eyewitness account to each of the alleged killings.
From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026
But the plaintiffs noted that Nexstar had been aware of the state attorneys general concerns since at least March 10 — more than a week before DirecTV and the state regulators sued.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026
I had changed things at least half a dozen times, wanting the shop to feel uncluttered and elegant.
From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.