utmost

[uht-mohst, -muhst]

adjective

1. of the greatest or highest degree, quantity, or the like; greatest.

   of the utmost importance.

   Synonyms: major, chief, foremost, maximum

2. being at the farthest point or extremity; farthest.

   the utmost reef of the island.

noun

1. Also the greatest degree or amount.

   the utmost that can be said;

   The hotel provides the utmost in comfort.

2. the most or best of one's abilities, powers, etc..

   He did his utmost to finish on time.

3. the extreme limit or extent.

   His patience was taxed to the utmost.

utmost

/ ˈʌtˌməʊst /

adjective

1. of the greatest possible degree or amount

   the utmost degree

2. at the furthest limit

   the utmost town on the peninsula

noun

1. the greatest possible degree, extent, or amount

   he tried his utmost

Word History and Origins

Origin of utmost¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English utmest, Old English ūtemest; equivalent to out + -most

Word History and Origins

Origin of utmost¹

Old English ūtemest, from ūte out + -mest _most

Example Sentences

The government ordered an investigation with the "utmost urgency" so that "the perpetrators, their collaborators, and their sponsors are identified and brought to justice without delay."

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“I know women who have planned their careers with the utmost fastidiousness,” Ms. Low writes.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"We appreciate how worrying this must have been for families but the students' safety is always our utmost priority."

Read more on BBC

Phillips said a 1518 was the sort of watch that once acquired, "a connoisseur can feel to have reached the utmost peak of collecting".

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“We really value and treat with the utmost importance our relationships with regulators and policymakers in states where we are licensed and operate,” Robins said Friday.

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Related Words

• absolute 
• all-out 
• sheer 
• ultimate 
• unconditional