at the earliest

idiom

—used to indicate the earliest possible time when something will happen or be done

The job will not be finished until next year at the (very) earliest.

Examples of at the earliest in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The decision about which is which won’t come until the middle of the month, at the earliest. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025

Max Verstappen will not be leaving Red Bull after all—at least not until after next year at the earliest. —Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2025

However, even if the group succeeds, the measure won’t be considered by the full House until after Labor Day at the earliest. —Jade Walker, CNN Money, 22 July 2025

Here’s a look at the earliest, latest and average last 100-degree day recorded across the state since 1940, according to data from the National Weather Service. —Austin American Statesman, 1 Aug. 2025