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

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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

See Examples For:

utmost

The family also asked "with the utmost respect, that our privacy - and that of everyone who is supporting us at this time - be respected".

From BBC ● Nov. 5, 2026

Noting on Sunday that the review of the allegations would continue in "utmost seriousness", Sohlberg insisted that "these remarks must in no way cast doubt on the vote of the Arab community".

From Barron's ● Nov. 1, 2026

“It’s important to make sure you have the utmost in public safety; I just disagree with how the funds are being raised,” Yukelson said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 26, 2026

“I’m tempted to believe China will do its utmost not to be classified as a developed economy,” said Alicia García-Herrero, chief economist for Asia Pacific at the French bank Natixis.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 12, 2026

Still she had her merits; and I was disposed to appreciate all that was good in her to the utmost.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

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Related Words

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

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