least

1 of 3

adjective

ˈlēst 

superlative of little entry 1

1

: lowest in importance or position

It's least on my list of worries.

2

a

: smallest in size or degree

The least noise would startle her.

b

: being a member of a kind distinguished by diminutive size

the least bittern

c

: smallest possible : slightest

… believed that the least government was the best government …

—Irving Stone

least

2 of 3

noun

: one that is least

see also:

at least

least

3 of 3

adverb

superlative of little entry 2

: in the smallest or lowest degree

see also:

least of all

Examples of least in a Sentence

Adverb

Who was the least at fault in the case?

He asked me to help him when I least expected it.

That was the least important of her reasons.

That was the least interesting book I have ever read.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The floor moves least where the capital is greatest, not out of any particular reluctance, but because the incentives were never built to push it higher. — Vandana Arcot, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026

But even if hostilities in the region de-escalate, a persistent risk to traffic through the strait will likely remain, with passage either outright controlled by Iran or, at the very least, subject to Iranian disruption at any time. — Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026

Noun

The scales will be tipped by those least connected to the political parties, and most connected to deliberative process. — David Paleologos, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2019

Respondents were asked to rank 39 possible trends—25 of which were trends from previous years—from 1 (least likely to be a trend) to 10 (most likely to be a trend). — Leah Prinzivalli, SELF, 1 Nov. 2018

Adverb

On at least two occasions, Beckham looked to have worked his way free of coverage, but the ball didn’t go his way. — Charlotte Carroll, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Josh Lowe added two hits and two RBIs, and Adam Frazier had two hits and an RBI for the Angels, who extended their win streak to three and had at least 10 hits in a game for the first time since July 8. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective, Noun, and Adverb

Middle English leest, from Old English lǣst, superlative of lǣssa less

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing least

• at least
• at the (very) least
• last but not least
• least common denominator
• least common multiple
• least of all
• least squares
• least tern
• least weasel
• not (in) the least
• not (in) the least/smallest/slightest/tiniest bit
• not least
• take/follow the path/line of least resistance
• the least of
• the least of someone's worries
• the least someone can do
• to say the least

Rhymes for least

• beast
• ceased
• creased
• east
• feast
• fleeced
• geest
• greased
• leased
• pieced
• priest
• yeast

Kids Definition

least

1 of 3 adjective

ˈlēst 

1

: lowest in importance or position

2

: smallest in size or degree

least

2 of 3 noun

: one that is least : something of the lowest possible value or importance

least

3 of 3 adverb

: in the smallest or lowest degree

Medical Definition

least

superlative of little