Definition

1. Adjective:
   • The smallest number of: "Fewest" is the superlative form of "few." It is used with plural count nouns to indicate the smallest quantity or number within a group being compared. It is almost always preceded by the definite article "the."

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • This route has the fewest traffic lights, so it's usually the fastest.
  • In the survey, Option C received the fewest votes.
  • She made the fewest mistakes on the test, earning the highest score.

Advanced Usage

• "The fewest of": Used before a definite group or a pronoun.
  • He ate the fewest of all the cookies.
  • Unfortunately, the fewest of them were qualified for the advanced class.

Variants and Related Words

• Few (adjective): A small number of.
  • There are few opportunities like this one.
• Fewer (adjective): The comparative form of "few," used for a smaller number compared to another.
  • We have fewer participants this year than last year.

Synonyms

• Smallest number of
• Least number of (Note: "Least" is used with uncountable nouns, while "fewest" is used with countable nouns.)

Notes on Usage

• Countable Nouns Only: "Fewest" is used exclusively with plural count nouns (e.g., problems, cars, ideas). For uncountable nouns (e.g., time, water, information), use "the least."
  • Correct: the fewest errors (errors are countable)
  • Correct: the least amount of time (time is uncountable)
• Article "The": The phrase "the fewest" is standard. Using "fewest" without "the" is rare and typically found in abbreviated or headline-style language (e.g., ).

Adjective

1. (superlative of `few' used with count nouns and usually preceded by `the') quantifier meaning the smallest in number
   • the fewest birds in recent memory