at the earliest

phrase

—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

There is an understandable clamour to see club-record signings at the earliest opportunity. — Beren Cross, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026

For now, his dream to referee at a men’s World Cup must wait until 2030 at the earliest when the tournament heads to Spain, Portugal and Morocco. — Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026

Organizations capable of recognizing these nuanced signals at the earliest are in a much better position to minimize financial losses and protect customer trust. — Bankim Chandra, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Some spring bulbs can also be planted in late summer to grow strong roots before winter and get a head start on next season, but many shouldn’t be planted until the ground cools—so September at the earliest for those. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 31 July 2026