English Reference
Adjective

faintest

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈfeɪntəst/ UK /fˈeɪntəst/ faintest

adj.the most weak or unclear version of something. You use it to describe the smallest amount of a feeling, sound, or light.

adj.the superlative form of 'faint', indicating the least perceptible degree of a quality or the weakest intensity of a stimulus.


SIMPLE

I heard the faintest sound coming from the basement.

CONTEXTUAL

Even the faintest hint of a smile on his face suggested that he was finally starting to feel better.

COMPLEX

The astronomer spent hours scanning the data for the faintest trace of light that might indicate the presence of a distant exoplanet orbiting a dim star.

For the future, for my children, that they’ll grow up holding only the faintest outline of their father.

The Guardian· 23 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated