lowest common denominator

noun

1
2
: something of small intellectual content designed to appeal to a lowbrow audience
also : such an audience

Examples of lowest common denominator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Overcoming the compulsions, the siren’s call, the lowest-common-denominator, tabloid, casino effect of everything in a very competitive attention environment where we’re driven toward the lowest common denominator. Sean Illing, Vox, 1 Feb. 2025 The culture war is the lowest common denominator expression of the right’s binding anti-liberalism. Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 Committees make decisions through compromise, which risks appealing to the lowest common denominator. Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2024 The regular Quest headset is essentially the lowest common denominator—or the minimum viable product—to keep the cost down. Samuel Axon, Ars Technica, 6 June 2023 See all Example Sentences for lowest common denominator 

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lowest common denominator was in 1854

Dictionary Entries Near lowest common denominator

Cite this Entry

“Lowest common denominator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lowest%20common%20denominator. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

lowest common denominator

noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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