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in the worst way

Idioms  
  1. Desperately, very much, as in He wanted a new trumpet in the worst way. This usage replaced worst kind. [Colloquial; second half of 1800s]


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.

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She also recalled how she had found one of her children, aged 10, "curled up at the top of stairs, alone and frightened", having "found out in the worst way possible" through overheard conversations.

From BBC Jun. 2, 2026

The skepticism over hedging will inevitably be challenged in the worst way, though when that occurs is impossible to know.

From Barron's Nov. 12, 2025

The Diamondbacks need it in the worst way if they’re going to send this series back to Texas.

From Seattle Times Oct. 31, 2023

I had planned to give myself 2020 off, because I had become a workaholic in the worst way.

From Washington Post Feb. 17, 2023

I can’t understand these words, because I can’t understand why she would ever want to hurt me in the worst way I could ever imagine.

From "Hurricane Child" by Kheryn Callender

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