utmost

The word “utmost” means the greatest or most extreme possible. In plain terms, the greatest possible degree — as much as can be.

“Utmost” is pronounced UHT-mohst (/ˈʌtmoʊ̯st/ in IPA).

Here is “utmost” used in a sentence: “This matter is of the utmost importance.”

Depending on how it is used, “utmost” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “utmost” comes from Old English. From Old English utmest, from ut ("out") plus the superlative suffix -mest, related to "outmost.".

“Utmost” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Utmost” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the greatest or most extreme possible.

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.

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.

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.