the only thing

noun
UK: /ðə ˈəʊnli θɪŋ/
US: /ðə ˈoʊnli θɪŋ/

  1. The single thing that is important or necessary.

    1. The only thing I need is you. [ ] [ ]
    2. For me, the only thing that matters is that the children are happy and healthy. [ ] [ ]

  2. The sole aspect, point, or item under consideration or in question.

    1. The only thing is, I don't have money. [ ] [ ]
    2. Actually the only thing preventing us from closing the deal is the funding approval process. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "the only thing" in English means: The single thing that is important or necessary., The sole aspect, point, or item under consideration or in question..

The phonetic transcription of "the only thing" is /ðə ˈəʊnli θɪŋ/ in British English and /ðə ˈoʊnli θɪŋ/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Example usage of "the only thing": "The only thing I need is you.". More examples on the page.