I. ˈətˌmōst also chiefly Brit -_məst adjective
Etymology: Middle English, alteration (influenced by most ) of utmest, from Old English ūtmest, superl. adjective from ūt out (adverb) — more at out
1. : situated at the farthest point or extremity : most distant or remote in location : extreme
the utmost point of the earth — John Hunt
the utmost island
2. : of the greatest or highest degree : of the largest quantity, number, or amount
a matter calling for the utmost secrecy — E.S.McCartney
living in the utmost misery — Angélica Mendoza
separated with the utmost clearness of distinction — R.M.Weaver
3. : final in order or time : last
obtain the utmost penny of his debt — Maria Edgeworth
4. archaic : furthest extended : greatest in length, measure, or extent
put forth your hand to the utmost stretch — Henry Felton
II. noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English ūtmest, from ūtmest, adjective
1. archaic : something that is most outward, distant, or remote : the farthest limit, part, or district (as of an extent or area)
a city … on the utmost of the ridge of a hill — George Sandys
2.
a. : the most possible : the extreme limit : the highest attainable point or degree
designed to provide the utmost in comfort — advt
the modeling of individual figures was … the utmost they attempted — O. Elfrida Saunders
— used especially in the phrase to the utmost
decentralizing authority … to the utmost — A.L.Nickerson
taxing my resources to the utmost — E.S.McCartney
b. : the highest, greatest, or best of one's abilities, powers, and resources
doing his utmost for a woman confided to his protection — Thomas De Quincey
after society and culture have done their utmost — Ralph Linton