1
a
: until now : so far
It's been the hardest year yet for our business. [=this is the hardest year our business has ever had]
His latest novel is his best one yet.
They haven't done much yet. = (less commonly) They haven't yet done much.
The team has not yet won a game. = The team has not won a game yet. = The team has yet to win a game.
I haven't read the book yet.
b
: at this time : so soon as now
Has the mail arrived yet?
Are we there yet?
It's not time to eat yet.
"Are you ready?" "No, not yet."
We don't yet know what their plans are.
Hasn't she called yet?
Their suggestions won't be implemented, at least not yet.
We don't have a firm grasp of the situation yet.
Has he left yet? = (US, informal) Did he leave yet?
2
a
: in addition
—used for emphasis
They made up yet another excuse.
It's yet one more example of poor sportsmanship.
b
: to a greater extent or degree
The case became yet [=even] more mysterious as additional facts were revealed.
3
: at a later time
It's still early. He may yet join us for dinner. [=there's still a chance that he'll join us for dinner]
4
—used to indicate how long something will last
A nasty cold will probably keep him out of the office for a few days yet. [=he will probably be out of the office for a few more days]
It may be some time yet before she's ready to date again.
—used to introduce a statement that adds something to a previous statement and usually contrasts with it in some way
We thought the idea sounded tempting, yet [=but] common sense told us it wouldn't work.
She designs simple yet [=but] elegant clothing.
She played well, yet she didn't qualify for the finals. [=although she played well, she didn't qualify for the finals]
Everyone seemed pleased, and yet I had the feeling that something was wrong.
Cite this Entry
“Yet.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/yet. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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