least

1 of 3

adjective

ˈlēst 

superlative of little entry 1

1

: lowest in importance or position

It's least on my list of worries.

2

a

: smallest in size or degree

The least noise would startle her.

b

: being a member of a kind distinguished by diminutive size

the least bittern

c

: smallest possible : slightest

believed that the least government was the best government

—Irving Stone

least

2 of 3

noun

: one that is least

least

3 of 3

adverb

superlative of little entry 2

: in the smallest or lowest degree

Phrases

at least

1

: at the minimum

at least once a week

2

: in any case

at least you have a choice

least of all

: especially not

no one, least of all the children, paid attention

Examples of least in a Sentence

Adverb

Who was the least at fault in the case?

He asked me to help him when I least expected it.

That was the least important of her reasons.

That was the least interesting book I have ever read.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

At least Emma gets woken up and included this time. —Emma Soren, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024

Therefore, making or ordering enough food for everyone to have, at the very least, a heaping first place (and ideally a second) is a must. —Rebecca Jennings, Vox, 18 Nov. 2024

Noun

The dish was created in 1926 at the Brown Hotel by chef Fred K. Schmidt after guests got bored with traditional ham and egg suppers (or so legend says, at leasts). —Rae Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 28 Mar. 2023

This is one of the ideas that have long made electoral politics a graveyard for the American left: the hope of a post-political, revolutionary campaign built on the backs of the voters most sympathetic to their cause and least likely to vote. —Osita Nwanevu, The New Republic, 19 Mar. 2020

Adverb

However, scientists have long suspected that at least one decomposition product of chloramine might also be detrimental to human health. —Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2024

Both teams have at least one ex-Longhorn on their active rosters. —Danny Davis, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective, Noun, and Adverb

Middle English leest, from Old English lǣst, superlative of lǣssa less

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing least

• at the (very) least
• last but not least
• least common denominator
• least common multiple
• least of all
• least squares
• least tern
• least weasel
• not (in) the least
• not (in) the least/smallest/slightest/tiniest bit
• not least
• take/follow the path/line of least resistance
• the least of
• the least of someone's worries
• the least someone can do
• to say the least

Kids Definition

least

1 of 3 adjective

ˈlēst 

1

: lowest in importance or position

2

: smallest in size or degree

least

2 of 3 noun

: one that is least : something of the lowest possible value or importance

least

3 of 3 adverb

: in the smallest or lowest degree

Medical Definition

least

superlative of little