# steepest

/ˈstipəst/ (US) · /stˈiːpəst/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/steepest
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

having the sharpest slope, going up or down almost straight. You use it for the most sudden climb, drop, or price rise.

For teachers: having the greatest steepness in slope, incline, or rate of change; sharper or more abrupt than all others compared. Extends to figurative increases such as prices, fees, or difficulty.

## Examples

- This hill has the steepest path in the park.
- The last part of the hike includes the steepest climb, so we walk slowly and drink water.
- The report shows the steepest rise in rents in the city's northern districts, where demand now grows faster than new homes appear.

## Usage notes

- Superlative of 'steep'; typically preceded by 'the' and placed before the noun it modifies.

---

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.