at worst
Idioms-
Also, at the worst.
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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]
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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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
If a claim is substantiated, the plagiarist is seen as sloppy or lazy at best, and fundamentally dishonest at worst.
From Salon ● Aug. 23, 2026
But at worst, it could lead to losses, and a drying-up of data-center business if hyperscalers scrap their off-grid power plans.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026
But the ventures were met with, at best, mixed reviews and, at worst, outright hostility.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 19, 2026
He will leave Wimbledon at worst 63rd in the rankings and will overtake Jan Choinski to become the new British number two.
From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026
Without antivenom you might lose a limb at worst.
From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
