utmost

[uht-mohst, -muhst]

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of utmost¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of utmost¹

Old English ūtemest, from ūte out + -mest _most

Example Sentences

In a statement, Buckingham Palace 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."

Read more on BBC

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.

Read more on BBC

"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."

Read more on BBC

“We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness,” the league said in a statement, “and the integrity of our game remains our top priority.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“ICE officers act heroically to enforce the law, arrest criminal illegal aliens and protect American communities with the utmost professionalism,” Jackson said.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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