lowest common denominator

Noun

Meaning

(mathematics) The smallest positive integer which is a multiple of every denominator of several fractions.
The lowest common denominator of ⁄6 and ⁄10 is 30.

(figuratively, derogatory) The most simple or base shared interest or characteristic among a group or collection of people etc.
Reality TV really is appealing to the lowest common denominator in audiences.

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Antonyms

Examples

If you fear making anyone mad, then you ultimately probe for the lowest common denominator of human achievement. Jimmy Carter

Radio football is football reduced to its lowest common denominator. Nick Hornby

Simply put, I believe we should not seek the lowest common denominator when it comes to wilderness and saddle a wilderness designation with exceptions, exclusions, and exemptions. Nick Rahall

I think that the corporation is running it and will always make it appeal to the lowest common denominator. I think we're going to have to forget about the radio and just go back to word of mouth. Joe Strummer

I respect the audience's intelligence a lot, and that's why I don't try to go for the lowest common denominator. Spike Lee

What happens in the Senate is the Republicans sink to the lowest common denominator. Jim DeMint

Close letter words and terms