rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryutmostGreatest possible extent
adjective / noun

utmost

UT-mohst/ˈʌtmoʊst/

The greatest possible degree, amount, or effort.

The climber places the flag at the mountain's utmost height.

A climber places a flag at the very highest point of a tall peak while all lower markers remain far below, making the greatest possible degree visible.
Etymology
utOld Englishout, outside
+mostOld Englishsuperlative degree

“Out” with a superlative ending originally described the farthest point or outermost limit. That spatial limit became a limit of degree: the greatest possible amount or importance.

In context

Jimmie Briggs0:41
I say this call to action to you with the deepest sincerity and utmost gravity.
3 Things Men Can Do to Promote Gender Equity | Jimmie Briggs | TED
Hans Rosling14:36
And of course, lowering child mortality is a matter of utmost importance from humanitarian aspects.
Hans Rosling: The good news of the decade?

More examples

  • She did her utmost to help.
  • They treated the matter with utmost seriousness.
  • The job demanded his utmost.

Forms

utmost

Similar words

maximum
A more technical term for the largest possible amount.
supreme
Emphasizes highest rank or importance rather than degree.