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 want to thank you so much for coming in and for giving us the chance to reassure you that the health and welfare of our residents is of the utmost importance,” she began.

From Literature

They said they came from the government in Accra with news of the utmost importance.

From Literature

The official position from Buckingham Palace remains that the King and Queen's "thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse".

From BBC

"State institutions must treat this case with the utmost seriousness, act to uncover the full extent of offending, ensure accountability and prevent similar harm in the future," they said.

From BBC

Buckingham Palace in October said "their majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been and will remain with the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse".

From BBC

Related Words

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