best-case
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of best-case
First recorded in 1975–80
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.
This is the best-case scenario, because the problem pushes us in new conceptual directions that often have value far beyond the original problem—and sometimes beyond mathematics itself.
From Slate ● Jun. 22, 2026
Covey said crews were preparing for a chemical spill, which he described as a "best-case scenario" and far preferable to an explosion and toxic plume.
From Barron's ● May 23, 2026
That’s the best-case scenario, because once it leaks, it’s no longer at risk of exploding.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 22, 2026
But, under a best-case analysis of much lower emissions, the Ministry says "no decrease in tuna biomass" is predicted in the country's EEZ.
From BBC ● Apr. 26, 2026
“Of late, I’ve heard a great many worst-case scenarios presented. But I haven’t heard a single argument laid for the best-case scenario.”
From "Hollow City" by Ransom Riggs
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.
