# quickest

/ˈkwɪkɪst/ (US) · /kwˈɪkəst/ (UK) · CEFR A1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/quickest
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

the most fast or the one that takes the least amount of time. You use this to compare three or more things to find the winner for speed.

For teachers: the superlative form of 'quick'; indicates the highest speed or shortest duration among three or more items.

## Examples

- The quickest way to get home is by train.
- Taking the highway is usually the quickest route, but during rush hour, the back roads might actually be faster.
- While several algorithms can solve the problem, the quickest one utilizes a heuristic approach that bypasses redundant calculations, significantly reducing the total processing time.

## Pitfalls

- Not "the most quickest" but "the quickest" — One-syllable adjectives form the superlative by adding '-est' — they do not use 'most'.

## Usage notes

- Superlative form; typically preceded by the definite article 'the' and followed by a noun or a prepositional phrase starting with 'of' or 'in'.

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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.