Lowest

/ˈləʊɪst/

adjectiveBeginner📊CommonQuantity
2 meanings3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

At the lowest level, degree, or amount.

/ˈləʊɪst/

adjectiveneutralBeginner
Quantity

Being at the bottom of a scale or ranking

The lowest price on this item is five dollars.

💡 Simply: Imagine a race where people are ranked from fastest to slowest. The person at the 'lowest' position is the one who ran the slowest!

👶 For kids: The smallest or least of something, like the lowest number on a ruler.

More Examples

2

The lowest temperature of the week was recorded on Tuesday.

3

The contestant with the lowest score was eliminated.

How It's Used

Finance

"The company's stock price hit its lowest point in years."

Temperature

"The lowest temperature recorded last night was -10 degrees Celsius."

Sports

"He had the lowest score in the competition."

2

Of the lowest rank or social position.

/ˈləʊɪst/

adjectiveneutralmedium
Status

Having a low social status or position

He started his career in the lowest ranks of the military.

💡 Simply: Imagine a school where the students are ranked by grades. The students at the 'lowest' level are the ones who are having the hardest time.

👶 For kids: The person who has the least amount of something.

More Examples

2

The lowest members of society often face discrimination.

How It's Used

Sociology

"He came from the lowest social class."

Tip:Think of a hierarchy: 'lowest' is at the very bottom of the social pyramid.

Synonyms & Antonyms

From Old English *lǣgst* (superlative of *lǣg* 'low'), from Proto-Germanic *laigaz*.

Historically, the word 'lowest' has been used to describe the degree or extent to which something is positioned or rated. Its usage has remained relatively consistent over time.

Memory tip

Think of the 'low' part of the word - it's at the bottom.

Word Origin

LanguageProto-Germanic
Original meaning

"To be or make low."

lowest pricelowest temperaturelowest scorelowest levellowest rank

Common misspellings

lowistlovest

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written