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.
However, organizations are still struggling to articulate the necessary skills and identify the right talent to get the job done (let alone reimagine the jobs to be done). Brian Solis, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 Just taking steps to move forward with its nuclear program, let alone striking out at the U.S., would lead to negative consequences, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned on Sunday. Ian Swanson, The Hill, 22 June 2025 There's a category of taboo questions where even thinking them — let alone asking them out loud — violates social norms. Tessa West, CNBC, 21 June 2025 Before Stonewall, the idea that a gay rights movement could even exist—let alone flourish—was as likely as an airborne porker. Lynn Yaeger, Vogue, 21 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 27 Jun. 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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