Synonyms

worst-case

American

[wurst-keys] / ˈwɜrstˌkeɪs /

adjective

of the worst possibility; being the worst result that could be expected under the circumstances.

a worst-case scenario.

worst case British

noun

1. a situation in which the most unfavourable conditions prevail
2. ( as modifier )
  
  a worst-case projection of a massive accident

"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

Etymology

Origin of worst-case

First recorded in 1960–65

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.

For those bets to pay off, the U.S. needs to avoid the worst-case scenario—an oil-driven recession.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

Going without insurance only makes sense if you have sufficient liquid assets to cover a worst-case scenario and move on.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 28, 2026

The worst-case scenario is he may have missed his last big chance to force his way to the forefront of Tuchel's thoughts as he finalises his World Cup plans.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

“Before this weekend, a lot of people were thinking about worst-case scenarios.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

This was not a fair fight, and the best-case scenario was nowhere near as probable as the worst-case scenario.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023