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• worst-case
  worst-case

  adjective

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

  noun

worst-case

American  

[wurst-keys] / ˈwɜrstˌkeɪs /

adjective

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

   a worst-case scenario.

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worst case British  

noun

1. 1. a situation in which the most unfavourable conditions prevail

   2. ( as modifier )

      a worst-case projection of a massive accident

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Etymology

Origin of worst-case

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

"As a result, the channels can grow and, in the worst case, weaken the stability of the entire ice shelf."

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

"It turns out it's not the worst case scenario."

From Science Daily • May 2, 2026

The UK could face some food shortages by the summer under a worst case scenario of the Middle East conflict drawn up by government officials.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

“I think the market has factored in the worst case scenario already,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

Then, in the worst case of bad timing imaginable, a Scoreboard alert flashed on my display, just a few seconds after I began to play through the final screen.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline

Related Words

• absolute
• all-out
• sheer
• ultimate
• unconditional