极度的，最大的，最远的　of the greatest degree

　utmost　用作形容词的意思是“极度的，最大的，最远的”，又可拼作uttermost.

　the ～ care〔importance〕　极其小心〔重要〕
　the ～ danger　极端的危险
　the ～ limits〔strength〕　最大的限度〔力量〕

　Learning is of the utmost importance.　学习极为重要。
　Without problem, the utmost problem.　没有问题是最大的问题。
　He walked to the utmost edge of the cliff.　他走到悬崖的最边缘的地方。
　The ability for him to get the job is utmost.　他得到这份工作的可能性极大。

S 极限，最大限度the greatest, furthest or most extreme degree or point, etc. that is possible

　utmost　用作名词的意思是“极限，最大限度”，又可拼作uttermost.

　do〔try〕 one's ～　竭尽全力
　make the ～ of　充分利用
　work to the ～　竭力工作
　at the ～　最多
　～ of one's power　竭力

　That is the utmost that I can do.　我最多只能做到那样。
　This watch is worth 10 pounds at the utmost.　这块表最多值十英镑。
　Each man is free to exercise his special talents to the utmost.　每个人都可以尽力发挥他的专长。

 ♣ do〔try〕 one's utmost
　竭力，竭尽所能　do or try as much as one can
　The ambassador did his utmost to prevent the outbreak of hostilities.　这位大使竭尽全力防止战事的爆发。

　［同义词］ adj. greatest, highest n. best, peak, ultimate
　［词源］古英语utemest（最远的，极限）