utmost Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the greatest possible degree
    uttermost; maximum; level best.
    • he tried his utmost
  2. adjective satellite of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity
    uttermost; extreme.
    • extreme cold
    • extreme caution
    • extreme pleasure
    • utmost contempt
    • to the utmost degree
    • in the uttermost distress
  3. adjective satellite highest in extent or degree
    last.
    • to the last measure of human endurance
    • whether they were accomplices in the last degree or a lesser one was...to be determined individually
  4. adjective satellite (comparatives of `far') most remote in space or time or order
    uttermost; furthest; farthest; furthermost; farthermost.
    • had traveled to the farthest frontier
    • don't go beyond the farthermost (or furthermost) tree
    • explored the furthest reaches of space
    • the utmost tip of the peninsula

WordNet

Ut"most` adjective
Etymology
OE. utmeste, utemest, AS. temest, a superlative fr. te out. . See Out, and cf. Aftermost, Outmost, Uttermost.
Definitions
  1. Situated at the farthest point or extremity; farthest out; most distant; extreme; as, the utmost limits of the land; the utmost extent of human knowledge. Spenser.
    We coasted within two leagues of Antibes, which is the utmost town in France. Evelyn.
    Betwixt two thieves I spend my utmost breath. Herbert.
  2. Being in the greatest or highest degree, quantity, number, or the like; greatest; as, the utmost assiduity; the utmost harmony; the utmost misery or happiness.
    He shall answer . . . to his utmost peril. Shak.
    Six or seven thousand is their utmost power. Shak.
Ut"most` noun
Definitions
  1. The most that can be; the farthest limit; the greatest power, degree, or effort; as, he has done his utmost; try your utmost.
    We have tried the utmost of our friends. Shak.

Webster 1913