# highest

/ˈhaɪəst/ (US) · /hˈaɪəst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/highest
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. physical height

adjective · CEFR A2

at the greatest distance from the ground or sea level.

For teachers: reaching the maximum vertical distance from a base or reference point.

- Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.
- The climbers reached the highest peak just as the sun began to set, offering them a panoramic view of the entire range.

Usage: Usually preceded by the definite article 'the'.

### 2. rank or importance

adjective · CEFR B1

the most important or top position in a group or organization.

For teachers: occupying the most senior or superior position in a hierarchy or social structure.

- She was promoted to the highest position in the company.
- The decision requires approval from the highest levels of government before it can be implemented nationwide.

### 3. amount or quality

adjective · CEFR B1

the greatest amount, level, or quality of something.

For teachers: representing the maximum degree, intensity, or excellence within a measurable range.

- The hotel provides service of the highest quality to its guests.
- The city recorded its highest temperatures in a decade during the recent heatwave.

### 4. to the greatest level

adverb · CEFR B1

to the greatest height or degree.

For teachers: at or to the greatest height or most advanced level.

- The bird flew highest of all the creatures in the sky.
- Among all the candidates, she scored highest on the technical assessment, securing her place in the final round.

Usage: Often used in comparisons involving 'of all' or 'in the group'.

## Examples

- Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.
- The company reported its highest profits in a decade after expanding into international markets.
- The committee awarded the contract to the firm that demonstrated the highest level of technical expertise while maintaining a sustainable budget for the duration of the project.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.