utmost discretion

USAGE SUMMARY

"utmost discretion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the need for something to be done very carefully, with great care, and with great attention to secrecy. For example: "The information shared at the meeting must be handled with utmost discretion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

But what he also did was to behave with the utmost discretion.

Independent

And third, as the book's title indicates, the place proudly treats its patients with the utmost discretion.

The New York Times - Books

The Southern antebellum aristocracy was marvellously well-mannered; its members left tasteful calling cards, entertained gracefully, and conducted their personal affairs with the utmost discretion.

The New Yorker

It was radical, controversial research for the mid-50s, undertaken with utmost discretion, though there never seemed to be a lack of willing subjects.

The Guardian - Books

"Rest assured that all approaches will be treated with the utmost discretion and confidentiality so that your personal safety is ensured," the instructions read.

The Guardian

Sexual Harassment: We want to underscore that any complaint of sexual harassment by a female employee will be investigated swiftly and with the utmost discretion.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

For that reason, among others, he employs the utmost in discretion when a yogi comes in for his or her injectables.

Huffington Post

Papsidera has used the utmost precaution and discretion.

Huffington Post

Discretion means more MOPPS.

The New Yorker

Fifa expressed "utmost sympathy".

The Guardian - Sport

Of utmost importance was fire.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When dealing with sensitive information, use "utmost discretion" to assure stakeholders that their privacy and concerns are a priority.

Common error

Avoid using "utmost discretion" in situations that do not genuinely require high levels of confidentiality or care. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utmost discretion" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as an object of a verb or preposition. It describes the quality or manner in which an action should be performed, emphasizing the need for extreme care and confidentiality. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "utmost discretion" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term to emphasize the need for careful and confidential handling of sensitive matters. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples, primarily from News & Media sources. While it's important to use it appropriately in contexts that genuinely require confidentiality, it remains a valuable phrase for assuring stakeholders of your commitment to privacy and care. Alternative phrases such as "extreme confidentiality" and "maximum tact" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Extreme confidentiality

Highlights the aspect of keeping information secret and private to the highest degree.

Absolute confidentiality

Like extreme confidentiality, it stresses that nothing will be revealed to anyone.

Maximum tact

Emphasizes the use of careful and considerate behavior, highlighting the importance of not causing offense.

Extreme tact

Emphasizes the importance of being considerate and avoiding offense to the greatest extent possible.

Highest circumspection

Emphasizes careful consideration of all circumstances before acting, implying thoroughness.

Great prudence

Focuses on wisdom and caution in practical affairs, suggesting careful deliberation before action.

Maximum prudence

Similar to great prudence, maximizing the characteristic of using good judgement to avoid risks.

Complete secrecy

Underscores the need for total concealment and lack of disclosure.

Total secrecy

Similar to complete secrecy, it highlights the need to keep everything hidden.

Utmost care

Focuses on the diligence and attention needed to avoid mistakes or harm.

FAQs

How to use "utmost discretion" in a sentence?

You can use "utmost discretion" to emphasize the need for careful and confidential handling of sensitive matters. For example: "Please handle this matter with "utmost discretion" to avoid any unnecessary attention".

What can I say instead of "utmost discretion"?

You can use alternatives like "extreme confidentiality", "maximum tact", or "great prudence" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "utmost discretion" or "utmost discreetness"?

"Utmost discretion" is the more common and idiomatic phrase. While "discreetness" exists, "discretion" is generally preferred in this context.

What's the difference between "utmost discretion" and "utmost importance"?

"Utmost discretion" refers to the highest level of care and confidentiality, while "utmost importance" indicates something is of the highest priority or significance. They address different qualities or characteristics.