What does hollowest mean?
Hollowest is the superlative of hollow and means more hollow than any other thing in a comparison. It can describe a physical space or sound that is empty, thin, or lacking depth: one might call a voice the hollowest in a choir or identify the hollowest point in a tube. More commonly, it has a figurative meaning: a hollow promise, speech, or person may lack substance, truth, or genuine feeling. The superlative form intensifies that judgment, suggesting an extreme degree of emptiness or insincerity. Although grammatically correct, “the most hollow” is often more natural in extended statements, while “the hollowest” is particularly effective when directly comparing several people, sounds, claims, or objects. The word is formal in tone and carries a strongly critical implication when applied to language, promises, or character.
adjectiveThe most hollow: having the greatest degree of emptiness, lack of substance, or insincere feeling.
- Most lacking in physical substance, solidity, or depth.
- Most insincere, false, or devoid of meaningful content.
"His hollowest promise was that he would never lie again."
"The old well gave out the hollowest sound when the wind swept across its mouth."
"Reviewing her speech, he wondered which of her assurances had been the hollowest."
Hollowest turns emptiness into a shape: it is the point at which substance or sincerity reaches its lowest level.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hollowest come from?
The word derives from Old English holr, an adjective meaning “hollow” or “empty,” from Proto-Germanic *holaz. This was related to Old English hol, the source of modern “hole,” and to cognates such as Dutch hol and German hohl, all associated with a Proto-Indo-European root meaning “hollow.” The modern superlative ending -est was added to form hollowest.
Related word forms
How hollowest is actually used
The word is formal and relatively uncommon. In figurative use, it often describes promises, claims, or expressions that are empty of sincerity or practical value. Because it is already a superlative, it is not normally replaced by “most”.
Easily confused with hollowest
“Hollow” is the base adjective, while “hollowest” is its superlative form, used to compare degrees of hollowness.