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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

Worst-case scenario: Your sister may have put your mother’s home into her own name through fraud, coercion, or false promises, enabling her to sell it and pocket the money.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 11, 2026

“What if I wasn't Tyreek Hill? Worst-case scenario, you know?”

From BBC • Sep. 10, 2024

“In the very-best-case scenario, they’re a horrible business that’s in way over their head, just picking up animals and not being able to process them. Worst-case scenario, they’re scammers.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2024

Worst-case scenario is you burn dinner and nobody has a good time.

From Salon • Apr. 20, 2023

Worst-case scenarios no doubt colonize my mom’s head.

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed

Related Words

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