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.

---

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

---

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

Explanation

Utmost means "the greatest extent or amount." When you work as hard as you possibly can, you do your utmost to accomplish your goal. Whenever something is the most, it can be described as the utmost. If a message is of the utmost importance, it's as important as it possibly can be. Any time you want to really want to emphasize that you believe in something more than anything else or truly intend to do something, do your utmost to use the word utmost.

Example Sentences

"The mediating parties will continue to do their utmost to ensure that the negotiations continue to be conducted in a constructive atmosphere with the aim of reaching a final deal," the statement said.

From Barron's • Jun. 22, 2026

A Justice Department spokeswoman called Clayton an exceptional lawyer who has led the U.S. attorney’s office “with the utmost professionalism, particularly while handling cases critical to our country’s national security.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 21, 2026

I used to hate the rain as a child, simply because I knew, with utmost certainty, that my mother would be making khichuri for dinner.

From Salon • Jun. 7, 2026

“We take any threat to public health with the utmost seriousness, and we continue to work diligently alongside public health officials and food safety experts to ensure the integrity of our products.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2026

Of course, the utmost anticipation was centered on the arrival of the 7:45 train and President Woodrow Wilson.

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool

Related Words

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