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

Although expanding, solar and wind power have not yet been enough to halt, let alone reverse, increasing emissions. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026

While the identity of Hitler’s paternal grandfather remains unknown, there is no evidence that his grandmother ever even met a Rothschild, let alone was in a relationship with one. —Mike Rothschild, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026

First released nearly 75 years ago, the novel was published long before humans even ventured into space – let alone all the way to the moon. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026

Kiran says customers aren't coming into the store as much since many can barely afford to pay for a full tank of gas, let alone a snack or two. —Tony Peterson, CBS News, 27 Mar. 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