utmost

American  

[uht-mohst, -muhst] / ˈʌtˌmoʊst, -məst /

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.

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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 British  

/ ˈʌtˌməʊst /

adjective

1. of the greatest possible degree or amount

   the utmost degree

2. at the furthest limit

   the utmost town on the peninsula

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noun

1. the greatest possible degree, extent, or amount

   he tried his utmost

Etymology

Origin of utmost

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

Example Sentences

While acknowledging the pressure many islanders faced from the rising cost of living, she said the commission took "utmost care" over how money was spent and insisted it continued to make a real difference.

From BBC

So, any indication that it is being targeted is taken with the utmost seriousness by Israel.

From BBC

When the punishment was announced Chelsea said: "From the outset of this process, the club has treated these matters with the utmost seriousness, providing full cooperation to all relevant regulators."

From BBC

The club said: "From the outset of this process, the club has treated these matters with the utmost seriousness, providing full cooperation to all relevant regulators."

From BBC

The final day task demanded the utmost golfing courage and Young was in the mood.

From BBC

Related Words

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