What does slimmest mean?
“Slimmest” is the superlative form of the adjective “slim.” It describes the member of a group that is thinner, more slender, or less bulky than the others, and it can also refer to the narrowest possible margin, amount, or difference. The word is common in both British and American English and is often used when comparing clothing, people, objects, gaps, margins, or quantities. It can carry a positive connotation when describing physical slimness, but in contexts such as business or competition it may simply emphasize precision, restraint, or a very small advantage. For example, a company might report “the slimmest profit margin,” while a fashion description might call a garment “the slimmest dress in the collection.” Its meaning can sometimes depend on context: a slimmest version may be the least bulky option rather than the healthiest or most desirable one.
adjectiveThe superlative of slim: thinner, more slender, or less bulky than something else.
- The superlative form of “slim,” meaning thinner, more slender, or less bulky than something else.
"She wore the slimmest of the available dresses."
"The slimmest phone in the group was also the most expensive."
"The team defended its lead with the slimmest possible margin."
Sometimes the smallest difference is the one that matters most: a slimmer margin can change a close contest into a clear victory.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does slimmest come from?
“Slimmest” derives from the adjective “slim,” which has Middle English origins and has long been used for something slender, thin, or not bulky. The word was also historically associated with a narrow or insufficient supply of something. Its current sense and comparative forms, including “slimmer” and “slimmest,” are established derivatives of that adjective.
Related word forms
How slimmest is actually used
As a superlative adjective, it normally takes “the” or another determiner, and it is commonly used with comparative or qualifying phrases such as “slimmest possible.”
Easily confused with slimmest
“Slimmest” describes something slender or thin, whereas “slime” is a slippery, viscous substance.