utmost
Americanadjective
noun
-
Also the greatest degree or amount.
the utmost that can be said;
The hotel provides the utmost in comfort.
-
the most or best of one's abilities, powers, etc..
He did his utmost to finish on time.
-
the extreme limit or extent.
His patience was taxed to the utmost.
adjective
-
of the greatest possible degree or amount
the utmost degree
-
at the furthest limit
the utmost town on the peninsula
noun
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.
Vocabulary lists containing utmost
Vocabulary from the Magna Carta on its 800th Anniversary
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"American Names"
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Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
That has sidelined Seoul, with Lee voicing respect for Trump's decision and pledging to "do his utmost" to support his peacemaking efforts.
From Barron's ● Aug. 21, 2026
The label said Laforteza has been receiving "the utmost support" and consulting medical professionals, and has been advised to dedicate time to "extended rest and ongoing care to ensure a full recovery".
From BBC ● Aug. 7, 2026
“I fly corporate jets for a living and have utmost confidence in aircraft and the way they’re maintained,” he said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026
First Minister John Swinney said the government and emergency services will continue to treat the blaze with the utmost seriousness until the last flames are out.
From BBC ● Jul. 25, 2026
“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 "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
