Least | Mean of least in English Dictionary

/ˈliːst/

• smallest in amount or degree
1. The least [=slightest] noise would startle her.
2. I try to spend the least (amount of) time possible in the kitchen. = I try to spend the least possible (amount of) time in the kitchen.
3. We finished without the least help from you. [=without any help from you]
4. She hasn't shown the least sign of remorse. [=she hasn't shown any remorse]
• Noun
• something of the lowest importance, strength, value, etc.
1. Any noise—even the (very) least—would startle her.
2. That's the least of my worries/problems. [=I have more important worries/problems to deal with]
3. We had many things to consider, not the least of which was the safety of our children. [=the safety of our children was very important]
• not less than a specified amount, level, etc.
1. At least once a year, we visit our grandparents.
2. We meet at least once a month. = We meet once a month at least.
3. You must be at least 21 years of age to enter.
4. He was at least six feet tall.
5. He must have at least 300 CDs!

• not at all
1. It did not interest me in the least. [=it did not interest me at all]
2. He didn't enjoy it in the least.
3. That joke was not in the least funny.
4. We weren't in the least tired.
5. I'm not the least worried.
• the smallest or easiest thing that someone can or should do
1. The least he could do is tell me what happened.
2. There's no need to thank me for my help. Considering all the help you've given me in the past, it was the least I could do. [=I do not deserve to be thanked for the small thing I did]
• in or to the smallest degree
1. Who was the least at fault in the case?
2. He asked me to help him when I least expected it.
3. That was the least important of her reasons.
4. That was the least interesting book I have ever read.
• especially not
1. No one, least of all the children, wanted to go home early.
• especially or particularly
1. We had many things to consider, not least the safety of our children.