at worst

1. Also, at the worst.

2. In the least favorable circumstance; under the most difficult conditions. For example, Convicted of taking a bribe, the official believed that at worst he would be sentenced to a few months in prison . [1500s]

3. In the least favorable view or supposition, as in No harm done; at the worst I'll copy the tax return again . Chaucer used this sense in Troilus and Cressida: “For at the worst, it may yet short our way.” [Late 1300s] For the antonym, see at best .

Example Sentences

Bottom line, the labor data are going to be at best, noisy—and, at worst, a complete mess until we get December readings.

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The children’s memories of their former friends in Plinkst were bittersweet at best, heartrending at worst, but the heel-clicking gesture was both invigorating and enjoyable, and they saw no reason to give it up.

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You avoid leaving crumbs, clean up more frequently, and at worst, call the pest control, so you can go on about your life.

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Whether O'Neill sticks around for the final or not, he has at worst provided a path for players who otherwise might have been rocking up suited and booted and seated in the stands.

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In your case, the expectation that you would receive your late husband’s share of their estate is, at best, unrealistic, and, at worst, unrealistic.

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Related Words

• at least 
• partially 
• slightly 
• somewhat