Definitions
01highest limit
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. the largest amount or highest level that is possible or allowed.
n. the greatest quantity or degree reached or permitted.
日本語:最大限※
“The maximum number of people allowed in the lift is eight.”
“The legal maximum for noise levels in residential areas is strictly enforced after ten o'clock at night.”
Usage
Often used with 'of' followed by a plural noun.
Antonyms
02math/statistics
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Mathematics Academic · Technical
n. the largest value in a group of numbers or a graph.
n. the greatest value of a set, sample, or mathematical function.
日本語:最大※
“The graph shows a maximum at the point where the temperature was highest.”
“To find the local maximum, the student had to calculate the first derivative of the function and solve for zero.”
Usage
The plural can be either 'maximums' or the more formal 'maxima'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03maximum security prison
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Law Informal
n. a type of prison for the most dangerous criminals.
n. a classification of prison facility designed for high-risk inmates requiring the highest level of control.
“He was sentenced to twenty years in maximum for his crimes.”
“After the attempted escape, the prisoner was transferred from a medium-security facility to maximum.”
Teaching tip
In this sense, 'maximum' is used as a shorthand noun for 'maximum security prison' in informal or journalistic contexts.
Synonyms
04greatest possible
B1 · Intermediate
adj. being the largest amount or highest level possible.
adj. denoting the greatest possible amount, degree, or intensity.
Español:máximo
“The car can reach a maximum speed of 120 miles per hour.”
“The project requires maximum effort from every team member if we are to meet the deadline by Friday.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “maximum” in context.
Noun
01. maximum amount
“The bank allows you to withdraw a maximum amount of five hundred dollars per day.”
noun + noun
02. maximum benefit
“To get the maximum benefit from this exercise, you must maintain proper form.”
noun + noun
03. maximum degree
“The safety protocols were implemented to the maximum degree possible.”
noun + noun
04. maximum extent
“The law was used to its maximum extent to ensure the criminals were punished.”
noun + noun
05. maximum length
“The maximum length for the essay is three thousand words.”
noun + noun
06. maximum number
“There is a maximum number of thirty students allowed in each classroom.”
noun + noun
07. maximum score
“She was thrilled to achieve the maximum score on her final exam.”
noun + noun
08. maximum size
“Please check the maximum size for carry-on luggage before you head to the airport.”
noun + noun
Real-World Examples
“Please note, the maximum file size is 5.7 MB .” “The Department for Transport's (DfT's) definition of an e-scooter includes no pedals, two wheels and a maximum continuous power rating of 500W.” “During the maximum solar activity cycle that comes every 11 years, there can be 10 or more in a single day.” Etymology
Via French from Latin maximum.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Idioms
01. maximum attack
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/maximum
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「日本語」「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0