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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

Still, "recession risks are easing as oil prices moderate and the probability of worst-case scenarios fades", wrote Matthew Martin of Oxford Economics.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

Par for the course, maybe, but the episode was so grossly stupid, it gave birth to a resolution by scientists to stop feeding the media worst-case scenarios to misrepresent.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

Or that the worst-case scenario toxic plume might have cut north through Stanton and passed right over Torres’ home.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

Lack of attention paid to the location of the trust and the beneficiaries could, in a worst-case scenario, even lead to double taxation.

From MarketWatch • May 23, 2026

Alex felt panic well up inside him as his brain jumped right to the worst-case scenario: Stranger Danger.

From "Eleven" by Tom Rogers

Related Words

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