lastigste

Lastigste is the superlative form of the Dutch adjective lastig, meaning most difficult or most burdensome. It is used to describe the highest degree of difficulty within a defined set, typically with the definite article: de lastigste taak, het lastigste probleem. The form can modify a noun (“de lastigste taak”) or function predicatively (“De taak is de lastigste”).

Morphology and related forms: The base adjective lastig forms the comparative as lastiger and the superlative as lastigste (or de lastigste/het lastigste, depending on gender and definiteness). The word is one of several Dutch adjectives that use the -st(e) suffix to create the superlative. For contexts where emphasis or nuance differs, speakers may also use phrases like meest lastig, though de lastigste is common in standard usage.

Usage notes: In ordinary Dutch, de lastigste/het lastigste is widely used for concrete items and abstract concepts alike. It is common in both spoken and written language. Some registers or stylistic choices may favor alternatives such as meest lastig, but lastigste remains the default in typical prose.

Examples: Dit is de lastigste puzzel uit de set. Het lastigste gedeelte van het project is de planning.

Etymology and related terms: lastig derives from Dutch roots related to burden or load; the -ig suffix marks adjectives, and the superlative is formed with -ste/-igste. Related words include lastigheid (difficulty) and the simpler adjective lastig (difficult).