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

Shredded iceberg lettuce is responsible for at least some of the current outbreak, and the CDC is advising to avoid eating it at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026

That pushes his return timeline back to at least August, if not later.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2026

A child with Laron syndrome needs at least three bottles per month, costing $2,400, Dr Guevara explains.

From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026

Gailey of Bankrate recommends getting at least three quotes from different lenders on the same day so you can make an apples-to-apples comparison.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 17, 2026

The silence screeches of disappointment, and I pedal backward, trying to salvage at least a bit of what I just broke.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam