Jump To:

• 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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of worst-case

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

“This is basically a worst-case scenario,” the inspector reported back to her bosses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

“The bigger picture is that crude is still on course for a second weekly decline, suggesting investors are not yet pricing in a worst-case disruption,” Hargreaves Lansdown analyst Matt Britzman said.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

McGovern on Sunday described it as “the worst-case catastrophic event that we’ve been talking about.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 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

I guess I understand why, given our situation, her doctor’s brain would go immediately to the worst-case scenario.

From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon

Related Words

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