at the earliest

phrase

—used to indicate the earliest possible time when something will happen or be done

The job will not be finished until next year at the (very) earliest.

Examples of at the earliest in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Williams began the season on the physically unable to perform list and isn’t eligible to return until next week against Seattle, at the earliest. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Chicago opened without Connor Bedard, who is recovering from shoulder surgery and isn’t expected back until late October at the earliest. — ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026

Instead, the modern-day minibus won’t be available stateside until the first half of next year at the earliest. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2026

Why make a change of clothes worthy of Clark Kent only to admit to his crime at the earliest questioning? — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026