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

So you have to have all of your inputs already in the system in order to calculate your worst-case scenario.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

That’s a worst-case scenario, of course, but every parent’s fear is that your child never launches.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

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

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

For people who spent their workdays watching the ups and downs of reactor pressure and heat, and making constant adjustments to keep things running safely, it was a worst-case scenario.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland

Related Words

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