Utmost vs. Upmost — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 3, 2023
"Utmost" is the correct spelling, indicating the greatest extent or degree, whereas "upmost" is considered an incorrect variant. Achieving accuracy in language usage enhances clear communication.
Which is correct: Utmost or Upmost
How to spell Utmost?
Utmost
Correct Spelling
Upmost
Incorrect Spelling
Difference Between Utmost and Upmost
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Remember that “utmost” is the traditionally correct term used in formal English.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
“Ut” in "utmost" sounds like “ut” in “but” which might be a common word for remembrance.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
“Utmost” can be remembered by thinking of "ut" as in "ultimate" which also indicates extremeness or being ultimate.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
“Upmost” sounds like "up" and "most" combined, and could be mistaken due to the pronunciation similarity with “utmost.”
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Using “utmost” in reading and writing regularly will reinforce memory of the correct spelling.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
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Definitions
Utmost
Of the greatest possible degree or amount
She has the utmost respect for her teacher.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Utmost
Reflecting the greatest degree
The project is of utmost significance to the team.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Utmost
Most extreme; greatest
He tried to save the situation with utmost caution.
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Oct 03, 2023
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Utmost
Being at the furthest point or extremity
They explored the utmost reaches of space.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Utmost
Being or situated at the most distant limit or point; farthest
The utmost tip of the peninsula.
Tayyaba Rehman
May 24, 2018
Utmost
Of the highest or greatest degree, amount, or intensity; most extreme
A matter of the utmost importance.
Tayyaba Rehman
May 24, 2018
Utmost
The greatest possible amount, degree, or extent; the maximum
Worked every day to the utmost of her abilities.
Tayyaba Rehman
May 24, 2018
Utmost
Situated at the most distant limit; farthest, outermost.
The utmost limits of the land
The utmost extent of human knowledge
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May 24, 2018
Utmost
The most extreme; greatest, ultimate.
The utmost assiduity
The utmost harmony
The utmost misery or happiness
Tayyaba Rehman
May 24, 2018
Utmost
The greatest possible capability, extent, or quantity; maximum.
At the utmost
To the utmost
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May 24, 2018
Utmost
Situated at the farthest point or extremity; farthest out; most distant; extreme; as, the utmost limits of the land; the utmost extent of human knowledge.
We coasted within two leagues of Antibes, which is the utmost town in France.
Betwixt two thieves I spend my utmost breath.
Tayyaba Rehman
May 24, 2018
Utmost
Being in the greatest or highest degree, quantity, number, or the like; greatest; as, the utmost assiduity; the utmost harmony; the utmost misery or happiness.
He shall answer . . . to his utmost peril.
Six or seven thousand is their utmost power.
Tayyaba Rehman
May 24, 2018
Utmost
The most that can be; the farthest limit; the greatest power, degree, or effort; as, he has done his utmost; try your utmost.
We have tried the utmost of our friends.
Tayyaba Rehman
May 24, 2018
Utmost
Of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity;
Extreme cold
Extreme caution
Extreme pleasure
Utmost contempt
To the utmost degree
In the uttermost distress
Tayyaba Rehman
May 24, 2018
Utmost
Highest in extent or degree;
To the last measure of human endurance
Whether they were accomplices in the last degree or a lesser one was...to be determined individually
Tayyaba Rehman
May 24, 2018
Utmost
(comparatives of `far') most remote in space or time or order;
Had traveled to the farthest frontier
Don't go beyond the farthermost (or furthermost) tree
Explored the furthest reaches of space
The utmost tip of the peninsula
Tayyaba Rehman
May 24, 2018
FAQs
Why is it called utmost?
Derived from the Old English "ūtmest," meaning furthest out, which translates to the greatest extent.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
What is the root word of utmost?
The root word is "ūtmest" from Old English.
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Oct 03, 2023
What is the verb form of utmost?
There is no verb form; "utmost" is an adjective or noun.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Which vowel is used before utmost?
No specific vowel is used before “utmost”; usage depends on context.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Which conjunction is used with utmost?
No specific conjunction is exclusively used.
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Oct 03, 2023
Which article is used with utmost?
Both "the" and "an" can be used depending on context.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Is utmost a noun or adjective?
It can be used as both a noun and an adjective.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
What is the singular form of utmost?
"Utmost" (same as it does not have a plural form).
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Is utmost an abstract noun?
When used as a noun, it can be considered abstract.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Is the word “utmost” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
It can be used as a direct object depending on context.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Is utmost a negative or positive word?
Neutral, although context might infer positive or negative connotations.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Is utmost a vowel or consonant?
It is a word, containing both vowels and consonants.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
How is utmost used in a sentence?
"She performed her duties with the utmost care."
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content editor at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.