English Reference
noun · verb

forefront

n. · v.
US /ˈfɔɹˌfɹənt/ UK /fˈɔːfɹʌnt/ fore·front UK spelling forefronts

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Formal

    n.the most important or leading position in a group or activity.

    n.the most prominent or influential position within a field, movement, or social trend.

    Simple

    This company has always been at the forefront of new technology.

    In context

    The university remains at the forefront of genetic research, consistently securing the highest volume of international grants in the sector.

    Usage

    Usually appears in the phrase 'at the forefront of'.

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency AcademicFormal

    v.to make something the most important part of a discussion or plan.

    v.to place an issue, theme, or concept in a position of prominence; to prioritise or emphasise.

    Simple

    The new report seeks to forefront the needs of young workers.

    In context

    The documentary attempts to forefront the environmental impact of fast fashion, which is often overlooked in mainstream industry discussions.

    Usage

    A transitive verb that takes a direct object.

    emphasisehighlightprioritise
    marginaliseignore

For most, thoughts of the classroom were probably not at the forefront of their minds.

The Guardian· 15 Aug 2026

All three states will be at the forefront of the primary calendar, come 2028.

Al Jazeera· 15 Aug 2026

From Middle English forefrount, forfrount, forefronte, equivalent to fore- + front.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English forefrount
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated