Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

least-worst

British  

adjective

  1. informal bad but better than any available alternative

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

See Examples For:

But it also sets up its protagonist, a cranky authoritarian with nepotistic tendencies, as the least-worst alternative to save a dying way of life.

From New York Times Nov. 10, 2022

That’s probably among the least-worst options, if you really must pick your nose.

From Washington Post Aug. 20, 2022

“We no longer look at good situations; we are trading off, as I call it, least-worst solutions,” said Jamie Zaninovich, the Pac-12 deputy commissioner who oversees basketball.

From Los Angeles Times Feb. 16, 2022

It is more than disquieting to be confronted with a no-win scenario, as there is rarely closure for someone forced to choose the least-worst option in an unwinnable situation. 

From Forbes Jul. 1, 2014

As for the deal, he writes, it may be "the least-worst option", giving the US time to figure out if Iran is serious about dismantling its nuclear programme.

From BBC Nov. 25, 2013

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 12,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training