least
smallest in size, amount, degree, etc.; slightest: He gave the least amount of money of anyone.
lowest in consideration, position, or importance.
something that is least; the least amount, quantity, degree, etc.
South Midland U.S. the youngest in a family or group.
to the smallest extent, amount, or degree: That's the least important question of all. He talks least.
Idioms about least
at least, : Also at the least.
at the lowest estimate or figure: The repairs will cost at least $100.
at any rate; in any case: You didn't get a good grade, but at least you passed the course.
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.
Origin of least
1Words that may be confused with least
Words Nearby least
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use least in a sentence
To be fair, this is one of the least-insulting comparisons Watters could have made.
The Mosel region is arguably the most storied, least-understood wine region in the world.
Germany’s Wine Revolution Is Just Getting Started | Jordan Salcito | April 26, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTHe has one of the least-lined faces of anyone I have ever met.
The New York/New Jersey/Long Island metropolitan region is the fourth-least-equal U.S. metro region, according to one study.
Can Bill de Blasio Fix New York’s Income Inequality? | David Freedlander | September 18, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTWhen you're among the least-prepared students in the class, you're likely to struggle.
Affirmative Action: Who Does it Help, Who Does it Hurt? | Megan McArdle | June 24, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
I assure you I am very sorry for critics all round,they are the least-regarded and worst-rewarded of all the literary community.
The Sorrows of Satan | Marie CorelliThese eight little volumes will always remain Borrow's least-read books.
George Borrow and His Circle | Clement King ShorterOn Alaska alone, the least-known section of the Pacific coast, there is a bibliographical list of four thousand.
Vikings of the Pacific | Agnes C. LautSo far Maui had the luck which so commonly attends the youngest and least-considered child in folklore and mythology.
Modern Mythology | Andrew Langleast-wise, he would rot in a sewer near a busy bus stop replete with all the dronings of archaic feet.
The Land of Look Behind | Paul Cameron Brown
British Dictionary definitions for least
/ (liːst) /
the least the superlative of little you have the least talent of anyone
(as pronoun; functioning as sing): least isn't necessarily worst
at least
if nothing else: you should at least try
at the least
at the least or at least at the minimum: at the least you should earn a hundred pounds
in the least (usually used with a negative) in the slightest degree; at all: I don't mind in the least
the least superlative of little they travel the least of all
of very little importance or rank
Origin of least
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with least
In addition to the idioms beginning with least
- least of all
- least resistance, line of
also see:
- at least
- in the least
- last but not least
- to say the least
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
Browse