at best

1. Under the most favorable circumstances, as in At best we'll be just one week behind schedule, or Cleaning out the attic is a tedious job at best. This idiom, formerly also put as at the best, today is most often used in situations that are actually far from ideal, as in the examples above. [First half of 1300s] For an antonym, see at worst.

Example Sentences

With this fourth movie, the Warren lore has been so thoroughly picked over, the tropes and rhythms now so ingrained, the jump scares end up feeling routine at best.

From Los Angeles Times

It said "the rationale for the former chief executive's retirement contributing to efficiencies was, at best, unclear".

From BBC

The tactic has not been attempted in nearly half a century and is its legality is “dubious at best,” according to NBC News.

From Salon

But the 28-year old-Californian has been patchy at best ever since he blew the chance to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March.

From BBC

That focus was at best a little fuzzy in the series opener, with the Dodgers twice blowing leads in a 4-3 loss at Coors Field.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• at least 
• partially 
• slightly 
• somewhat