lowest common denominator

noun

Mathematics.

1. least common denominator.

lowest common denominator

noun

1. Abbreviation: LCD.  lcd. Also called: least common denominator. the smallest integer or polynomial that is exactly divisible by each denominator of a set of fractions

lowest common denominator

1. The least common multiple of the denominators of a set of fractions. For example, the lowest common denominator of 1/3 and 3/4 is 12.

lowest common denominator

1. The smallest number that can be divided evenly into two other numbers (see common denominator). When fractions with different denominators are added together, their denominators have to be made the same; thus, fractions with denominators of nine and twelve have thirty-six as a lowest common denominator. Seventy-two and 108 are also common denominators for fractions with denominators of nine and twelve, but thirty-six is the lowest.

The term lowest common denominator is often used to indicate a lowering of quality resulting from a desire to find common ground for many people: “This fall's TV programming finds the lowest common denominator of taste.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of lowest common denominator¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

The difficulties grow even more pronounced when discussing those highly visible sculptures that are usually committee-approved, intentionally uncontroversial and frequently appeal to the lowest common denominator: art in public.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A land-use reform that works both here and in San Francisco has got to be good—but also a kind of lowest common denominator in the complex politics of the city.

Read more on Slate

And adults assume that’s what kids want, so we lean into the lowest common denominator — which actually harms them, because those are the most important years for development.

Read more on Salon

If we regard Matt’s promise to Mill to play to the lowest common denominator as a Faustian bargain, it’s not one that seems to have any long-term consequences, only scrambling in the moment to keep his job and a modicum of self-respect.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Elderly female action star” is a cute premise, but Margolin makes the most of it without infantilizing his heroine or otherwise resorting to lowest common denominator humor.

Read more on Los Angeles Times