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

Because of the four-year implementation period, assisted dying wouldn't be available across England and Wales until 2031 at the earliest. — ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026

Look for these to arrive toward the end of this decade at the earliest. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 4 Sep. 2026

If their website is accurate, then VAI Resort may not open until February 2027 at the earliest. — Dina Kaur, AZCentral.com, 1 Sep. 2026

The industry expectation is that there will be a lockout come December and that the sides won’t be able to reach an agreement until the spring at the earliest. — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026