let alone

1 of 2

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 President

—Robert Lacville

let alone

2 of 2

phrase

: to leave undisturbed

let the flowers alone

also : to leave to oneself

wanted to be let alone

Synonyms of let alone

Conjunction

• not to mention

Examples of let alone in a Sentence

Conjunction

I don't have enough money for a new car, let alone a luxury sedan.

Recent Examples on the Web

Conjunction

There was hardly enough time to attend all the festivities, let alone have our own. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026

Pam and John can hardly see each other, let alone take Isabella to the museum. —Allegra Goodman, New Yorker, 4 Jan. 2026

But Nnaji is not expected to turn Baylor into a national title contender, let alone a Big 12 contender. —Cj Moore, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2026

But most caregivers investigated for child abuse and neglect are not employed full time and may not earn enough to file taxes, let alone receive a sizable refund. —Sarah A. Font, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Conjunction

1765, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for let alone

• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cornerstone
• cortisone
• dictaphone

Kids Definition

let alone

conjunction

: to say nothing of : not to mention

lacked the courage, let alone the know-how