worst-case

[wurst-keys]

adjective

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

   a worst-case scenario.

worst case

noun

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

   2. ( as modifier )

      a worst-case projection of a massive accident

Word History and Origins

Origin of worst case¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

The industry, which had been bracing for a worst-case scenario with potential payouts running into the tens of billions of pounds, was already reassured in August when the FCA estimated that redress costs were likely to land in the middle of a 9 billion-18 billion pound range.

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But at this toppy moment, considering strategies that can protect against worst-case scenarios makes sense—in part because they can help you stay in the game.

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Srivastava estimates that in the worst-case scenario, exports of goods affected by the new tariffs could drop by close to $40 billion, shaving nearly a percentage point off India’s economic growth in the country’s current fiscal year, which ends in March 2026.

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In the worst-case scenario, they would look into moving to Canada.

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Yen carries an everyday bag for a few supplies for what she considers a worst-case scenario, such as a terrorist attack at a train station.

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Related Words

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