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• worst-case
  worst-case

  adjective

  of the worst possibility; being the worst result that could be expected under the circumstances.
• worst case
  worst case

  noun

worst-case

American  

[wurst-keys] / ˈwɜrstˌkeɪs /

adjective

1. of the worst possibility; being the worst result that could be expected under the circumstances.

   a worst-case scenario.

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worst case British  

noun

1. 1. a situation in which the most unfavourable conditions prevail

   2. ( as modifier )

      a worst-case projection of a massive accident

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Etymology

Origin of worst-case

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Many had feared prices double that as the global energy market’s worst-case scenario — an essentially closed Strait of Hormuz — has now been playing out for nearly 100 days.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 6, 2026

Par for the course, maybe, but the episode was so grossly stupid, it gave birth to a resolution by scientists to stop feeding the media worst-case scenarios to misrepresent.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

Still, "recession risks are easing as oil prices moderate and the probability of worst-case scenarios fades", wrote Matthew Martin of Oxford Economics.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

That’s a worst-case scenario, of course, but every parent’s fear is that your child never launches.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

“Our worst-case scenario was far, far exceeded,” Malone said.

From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone

Related Words

• absolute
• all-out
• sheer
• ultimate
• unconditional