# utmost

/ˈətˌmoʊst/ (US) · /ˈʌtməʊst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/utmost
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. greatest or highest degree

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

the greatest or most extreme amount of something.

For teachers: of the greatest or highest degree, quantity, or the most extreme limit.

- This medical procedure requires the utmost care and attention from the surgeons.
- The safety of the passengers is of the utmost importance to the airline, and no technical fault is ever ignored.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun it modifies.

### 2. most distant

adjective · CEFR C2 · Literary

the furthest away or most distant point.

For teachers: situated at the most distant limit or the outermost point.

- The explorers travelled to the utmost reaches of the frozen continent.
- The signal was broadcast to the utmost limits of the solar system, though it would take years to reach any potential receiver.

### 3. one's best effort

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the most that someone can possibly do.

For teachers: the greatest possible capability, extent, or effort that an individual can exert.

- I will do my utmost to finish the report by the end of the day.
- The rescue team did their utmost to reach the trapped climbers before the blizzard made further progress impossible.

Usage: Commonly used in the phrase 'to do one's utmost'.

## Examples

- She showed the utmost respect for her elders.
- The manager gave the project his utmost attention to ensure no details were missed.
- In times of crisis, leaders must demonstrate the utmost courage, balancing decisive action with a deep sense of responsibility for their communities.

---

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.