at best

phrase

: under the most favorable circumstances
won't be finished for another three months at best
At best, you will earn back what you paid in.
He's an average writer at best.
… was among the worst schools in a city whose public education could be described as struggling, at best.Ann Carrns

Word History

First Known Use

1556, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of at best was in 1556

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Cite this Entry

“At best.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20best. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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