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

See Examples For:

least

I get the sense that mom passed her fortitude on to her daughters and son, and it seemed to me as though for them, getting back home would be at least partly about honoring her.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 1, 2026

"Cleveland Police needs at least an additional £20m every year to recruit and retain 200 more police officers, to strengthen efforts to crack down on serious and organised crime."

From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2026

The study’s findings show that 4 out of 5 occupations have adoption rates where at least 20% of workers use AI for job tasks.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 1, 2026

According to polling data aggregator RealClearPolitics, GOP candidates are trailing in a least a half-dozen Senate races in battleground states, including Alaska, New Hampshire, Maine, Georgia, Ohio and North Carolina.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 1, 2026

At least there was some air in here.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck