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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

“This is basically a worst-case scenario,” the inspector reported back to her bosses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

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

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

Or that the worst-case scenario toxic plume might have cut north through Stanton and passed right over Torres’ home.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

Eventually, the plant operators realized that the worst-case scenario in unit 2—that the torus had exploded and was leaking—hadn’t happened, either.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland

Related Words

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