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utmost

utmost

86 4.0
Of the highest degree or importance
  • adjective
  • /ˈʌtmoʊst/
translation icon : máximo
  • I want you to know that your guidance and support is of the utmost importance to me.
  • utmost importance
  • utmost seriousness
  • utmost caution

I have the utmost empathy for all first responders.

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Examples

  • You know I have the utmost respect for you.

  • I have the utmost empathy for all first responders.

  • So taking care of your people is of the utmost importance.

  • So I think that spring is of utmost importance.

  • A matter of the utmost importance.

  • The role that technology plays in student achievement is of utmost importance in higher education.

    Academic text (2012)
  • Western unity on issues such as the future of Ukraine is therefore of the utmost importance.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The emotional well-being of a child is of utmost importance when developing the mathematics curriculum.

    Academic text (1999)
  • It is time to speak with the utmost frankness.

  • Taking care of your people is of the utmost importance in our organization.

Synonyms

extreme
vsutmost
877 3.6

Very far away in place or in degree

describes the very highest possible degree rather than just beyond the norm
supreme
vsutmost
737 3.9

Highest in rank, quality, or importance

refers mainly to the very highest possible degree rather than rank or status
ultimate
vsutmost
650 4.6

Last and most extreme in a series

means the very highest possible degree itself rather than final position
maximum
vsutmost
474 2.8

The highest possible amount or level

includes intensity as well as degree and amount
absolute
vsutmost
204 3.9

Complete to show the highest degree

refers to the very highest possible degree rather than to perfection
greatest
vsutmost
70 1.0

Better than all others in quality or importance

speaks of the very highest possible degree rather than comparison among items
maximal
vsutmost
6 5.8

The greatest possible in amount, degree, or size

focuses more on intensity or degree rather than completeness
uttermost
vsutmost
1 7.0

At the farthest or most extreme point

matches the same meaning exactly but is the more common modern form

Antonyms

1.0

As small in amount or degree as is allowed

1 1.0

A very small amount or something of low importance

Idioms

To try as hard as possible

Compounds

The highest feeling of admiration and honor for a person or thing

How Great

utmost
86 4.0
great
1.0
considerable
305 4.6
moderate
415 3.3
slight
594 1.2

Surface Forms

utmost positive

Morphology

utmost = most (semi-transparent) = out + most

The adjective 'utmost' expresses maximum degree from 'out' + 'most', but the obsolete/formal feel of 'ut-' reduces full transparency for average learners. [Postprocessing: moved 'out' from base_words to prefix]

Etymology

The adjective utmost combines ut- ('out') and most ('greatest'), so it originally meant 'most out' or at the highest degree. That's why something of utmost importance is the most important or at the maximum level.