lowest common denominator

noun

1

: least common denominator

2

: something of small intellectual content designed to appeal to a lowbrow audience

also : such an audience

Examples of lowest common denominator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This forces advanced systems to communicate with less secure ones, inevitably negotiating security down to the lowest common denominator and leaving the ecosystem vulnerable at its weakest link. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025

The result is gridlock: reforms are watered down or delayed, and the needs of major conferences are subordinated to the lowest common denominator. —Jim Martin, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2025

Since then, the lyricist, like the journalist, is fighting for their life against the lowest common denominator spectacle. —Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 27 July 2025

Society’s lowest common denominator should never have a say into anyone living their authentic, unapologetic life. —David John Chávez, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lowest common denominator

• accelerator
• accumulator
• adjudicator
• administrator
• appropriator
• articulator
• attenuator
• bronchodilator
• collaborator
• communicator
• conciliator
• cooperator

Kids Definition

lowest common denominator

noun

: least common denominator