adjective
Uncommon
utmost
UHT-mohst
Utmost (adjective) means the greatest or most extreme possible. Example: “This matter is of the utmost importance.”
adjective
1
The greatest or most extreme possible.
"This matter is of the utmost importance."
"Handle the documents with the utmost care."
"The nurse treated every patient with the utmost kindness and patience."
noun
1
The greatest extent or effort someone is capable of.
"She did her utmost to fix the mistake."
"We will do our utmost to get you home before the storm arrives."
"He tried his utmost, but the heavy box would not move."
How to use utmost
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe greatest possible degree — as much as can be.
Common pairings
do one's utmost
of the utmost importance
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Word forms
- Plural
- utmosts
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This matter is of the _____ importance.
Etymology
From Old English utmest, from ut ("out") plus the superlative suffix -mest, related to "outmost."
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “utmost” mean?
The word “utmost” means the greatest or most extreme possible. In plain terms, the greatest possible degree — as much as can be.
How do you pronounce “utmost”?
“Utmost” is pronounced UHT-mohst (/ˈʌtmoʊ̯st/ in IPA).
How do you use “utmost” in a sentence?
Here is “utmost” used in a sentence: “This matter is of the utmost importance.”
What part of speech is “utmost”?
Depending on how it is used, “utmost” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “utmost” come from?
The word “utmost” comes from Old English. From Old English utmest, from ut ("out") plus the superlative suffix -mest, related to "outmost.".
Is “utmost” a common word?
“Utmost” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “utmost” have?
“Utmost” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the greatest or most extreme possible.
What is the difference between utmost and outmost?
Utmost means the greatest or most extreme possible, as in 'of utmost importance,' and is used figuratively to describe degree or extent. Outmost (or outermost) refers to physical position, meaning farthest from the center or edge. The two are unrelated in meaning despite their similar spelling.
What is the difference between utmost and utter?
Utmost describes the greatest possible degree of something, often paired with abstract nouns like importance, care, or respect. Utter emphasizes completeness or totality, as in 'utter silence' or 'utter nonsense,' and does not carry the same sense of maximum degree that utmost conveys.
How is utmost typically used in a sentence structure?
Utmost is most often used as an adjective before a noun, as in 'utmost care' or 'utmost respect,' or as a noun in phrases like 'do one's utmost,' meaning to make the greatest possible effort.
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