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

“I have the utmost respect and admiration for our president,” Minaj said.

From Los Angeles Times

But South Africa has denied this, saying it treats "matters of data security with the utmost seriousness".

From BBC

The department’s statement said it will abide by the law and that protecting confidential information “remains of the utmost importance.”

From Los Angeles Times

"Developing new ways to treat these patients is of the utmost importance," said Halpern.

From Science Daily

"High biosecurity and animal welfare standards are of the utmost importance to us and it is clear here that we have failed to live up to that promise," he said.

From BBC

Related Words

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