let alone

conjunction

: to say nothing of : not to mention
used especially to emphasize the improbability of a contrasting example
… he would never walk again, let alone play golf.Sports Illus.
how many ever see an Ambassador or Minister, let alone a PresidentRobert Lacville

Examples of let alone in a Sentence

I don't have enough money for a new car, let alone a luxury sedan.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Previous Congresses barely featured one censure, let alone four in one week, which strategists say is indicative of the breakdown in procedure and decorum in the House. Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 21 Nov. 2025 This has left them unable to afford basic necessities, let alone save for unexpected expenses such as medical treatment or home repairs. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 20 Nov. 2025 And Canada has long resisted even hosting nuclear weapons on its territory, let alone acquiring its own. Moritz S. Graefrath, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2025 None of Nic Deslauriers, Rodrigo Abols or Garnet Hathaway have even been on the ice for a five-on-five goal, let alone scored one. Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 19 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for let alone

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of let alone was in 1765

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Let alone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/let%20alone. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

let alone

conjunction
: to say nothing of : not to mention
lacked the courage, let alone the know-how
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!