at best

phrase

: under the most favorable circumstances
won't be finished for another three months at best
At best, you will earn back what you paid in.
He's an average writer at best.
… was among the worst schools in a city whose public education could be described as struggling, at best.—Ann Carrns

Examples of at best in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But there is a saying in the military that leadership sets the tone, and when the most senior leaders are flippant at best, and cruel at worst, many will understand that to be the permissible standard. — Andrea N. Goldstein, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026 That is three of the Giants’ biggest financial investments for the 2026 season being slotted for now into at best supporting roles. — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026 The cost of attending has become eye-watering at best, prohibitive at worst. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026 Vincent Carchietta / Imagn Images via Reuters Connect NEW YORK — Tuesday night made the New York Yankees’ decision not to add at least one high-leverage reliever at the trade deadline look questionable at best, and befuddling at worst. — Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for at best

Word History

First Known Use

1556, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of at best was in 1556

Rhymes for at best

See All Rhymes for at best

Browse Nearby Words

at bay
at best
at bottom
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“At best.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20best. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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