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 golfSports 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.
But that is too poorly developed to carry much weight — let alone to hang an ending on. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 3 July 2025 Fans bought general admission, standing room only tickets for about $35 plus tax not knowing Swift would be in attendance, let alone perform. Bryan West, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 As of June 24, when the Fenerbahce reports surfaced, Leeds had not received any bids for Meslier, let alone reached an agreement for his sale. Beren Cross, New York Times, 30 June 2025 One, the Cubs would almost never trade Tucker, let alone to the rival Cardinals. Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 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 10 Jul. 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
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