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

“Nine, our mission is one of utmost urgency. I need to know where to find Hesterfowl.”

From Literature

If you really value something, after all, you will do your utmost to preserve it.

From MarketWatch

"We have the utmost respect for the Ukrainian people's immense efforts in defending themselves," the company said, adding: "Every single woman and man in Ukraine is making an immeasurable contribution."

From Barron's

The bank has now said after a review of Mr and Mrs Jansari's case the money had been reimbursed, adding it had "the utmost sympathy" for those who are targeted by criminals.

From BBC

"David was a dedicated MP who always did his utmost to help people and was respected by so many constituents for the work he did," he wrote on Facebook.

From BBC

Related Words

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