worst-case
adjective
of the worst possibility; being the worst result that could be expected under the circumstances.
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worst-case
American
[wurst-keys]
/ ˈwɜrstˌkeɪs /
adjective
worst case
British
noun
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.
See Examples For:
Still, he said that Trump's comments have "taken some heat out of the worst-case inflation fears, but the geopolitical pot is still simmering".
From Barron's ● Sep. 3, 2026
The most realistic worst-case scenario is not an actual hurricane landing in Southern California, Swain said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 1, 2026
In a worst-case scenario, the biggest side effect could be a slight increase in inflation for both countries at a time when they are already struggling to rein in price increases.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 25, 2026
Mike Bastasch, an EPA spokesman, said the initial modeling requested by the agency assessed “an absolute worst-case scenario.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 25, 2026
It comforted Rowan that he had a way out, even though it was a worst-case scenario.
From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman
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
Analysts believe the deal could slow energy and fuel price rises, making the worst case scenarios for inflation unlikely.
From BBC ● Jun. 17, 2026
"It turns out it's not the worst case scenario."
From Science Daily ● May 2, 2026
Humbaba had the worst case of irritable bowel syndrome known to medical science.
From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda
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.
