ENGLISH
REFERENCE

slowest

adj.
A1 Beginner US //ˈsɫoʊəst// UK //slˈəʊəst// slow·est

adj. the one that moves at the lowest speed compared to all others. You use this when comparing three or more things to find the one that takes the most time.

adj. the superlative form of 'slow'; describes the entity moving at the minimum velocity or requiring the maximum time relative to all others in a group.


SIMPLE

The turtle is the slowest animal in the race.

CONTEXTUAL

We decided to take the slowest route home because the scenery along the coast is much more beautiful than the highway.

COMPLEX

Even the slowest progress in diplomatic negotiations is preferable to a total breakdown in communication, as it maintains a channel for potential resolution.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Superlative form of the adjective 'slow'; almost always preceded by the definite article 'the'.

Pitfall

the most slowestthe slowestLearners often use 'most' with one-syllable superlatives that already end in '-est'.

© 2026 English Reference