In the least Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɫist

in THUH-LEEST

UK

ˈɪn/ /ðə, ði/ /lˈiːst

in thuh-LEEST

Definition

Used for emphasis in negative sentences, meaning 'not at all' or 'not even a little'. It shows that something does not happen or is not true in any way.

Usage & Nuances

Common in formal and written English, typically used with negatives ('not...in the least'). Synonyms: 'at all', 'not even a little'. Rare in positive sentences; do not use it for positive emphasis.

• Spanish: en lo más mínimo
• Portuguese (BR): nem um pouco - de forma alguma
• Portuguese (PT): nem um pouco - de forma nenhuma
• Chinese (Simplified): 一点也不 - 毫不
• Chinese (Traditional): 一點也不 - 毫不
• Hindi: बिल्कुल भी नहीं
• Arabic: على الإطلاق - أبداً
• Bengali: একটুও না - মোটেই না
• Russian: нисколько - ничуть
• Japanese: 全く〜ない - 少しも〜ない
• Vietnamese: hoàn toàn không - không một chút nào
• Korean: 전혀 - 조금도
• Turkish: hiç - en ufak şekilde bile değil
• Urdu: بالکل نہیں - ذرا بھی نہیں
• Indonesian: sama sekali tidak - sedikit pun tidak

Example Sentences

I'm not tired in the least.

basic

This test is not difficult in the least.

basic

She wasn't surprised in the least by the news.

basic

Honestly, that doesn't bother me in the least.

natural

If you think I’m upset, you’re wrong—I’m not in the least.

natural

He wasn’t nervous in the least about speaking in public.

natural