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.

“We just want residents to go through these processes and not focus on potential worst-case scenarios,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

"We must approach all potential emergencies with a mindset of anticipating the worst-case scenario and responding decisively," he added.

From Barron's

They will get revalued higher as the worst-case scenarios don’t come to pass.

From Barron's

Let’s assume a worst-case scenario here, and you get only a third of that jackpot.

From MarketWatch

“Worst-case scenario, we can always come back,” Dickinson told his wife.

From The Wall Street Journal

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