Synonyms

least common denominator

American

noun

Mathematics.

the smallest number that is a common denominator of a given set of fractions.

least common denominator British

noun

another name for lowest common denominator

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of least common denominator

First recorded in 1870–75

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.

“Will there be a fight over which agency gets to be the least common denominator in setting standards for disclosure?” one research lobbyist wonders.

From Science Magazine • Jan. 10, 2022

“You’ll hear people say that it’s the least common denominator that discourages gifted kids from advancing,” said Elizabeth Hull Barnes, the math supervisor for the district.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 4, 2021

Find the least common denominator of the following rationals:

From Textbooks • Sep. 23, 2020

Find the least common denominator of all denominators in the equation.

From Textbooks • Apr. 22, 2020

We may be content if we can hit upon some least common denominator free from the controversies of metaphysics.

From Personality in Literature by Scott-James, Rolfe Arnold

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