First recorded in 1960–65
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He described that as a "worst-case scenario" option in a YouTube interview with journalist Unsal Unlu.
From Barron's ● Jul. 11, 2026
The study highlights several worst-case scenarios, including spacecraft accidents involving contaminated materials or astronauts who may have been exposed to extraterrestrial environments.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 6, 2026
“We are thinking worst-case scenario,” Honsal said, “and we are here to book and uncover whatever evidence we could possibly find.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 26, 2026
The EPA requires facilities under its purview to plan for worst-case scenarios.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 19, 2026
“I wouldn’t miss it. Now stop imagining that worst-case scenario in your head over and over. It’s going to be fine.”
From "Sparrow" by Sarah Moon
What is exempt or not depends on your state’s rules, but often includes cash and bank balances exceeding basic needs, valuable collections, investments and, in the worst case, your home.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 10, 2026
“He told me I was the worst case he’d ever seen but he’s so positive, he said: ‘You’ve got great potential,’” McCarthy recalled of his first meeting with O’Mara.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 18, 2026
"It turns out it's not the worst case scenario."
From Science Daily ● May 2, 2026
Earlier this month, government officials drew up a worst case scenario of food shortages, including chicken and pork, by the summer if the war continues.
From BBC ● Apr. 25, 2026
The worst case of conjunctivitis I’ve ever seen in my life and something else in there I can’t make out.
From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt
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.
