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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

"As a result, the channels can grow and, in the worst case, weaken the stability of the entire ice shelf."

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

"It turns out it's not the worst case scenario."

From Science Daily • May 2, 2026

Earlier this month, government officials drew up a worst case scenario of food shortages, including chicken and pork, by the summer if the war continues.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

"The worst case would, of course, be that we don't have an extension of the moratorium. That's something that we cannot exclude," the Swiss WTO ambassador Erwin Bollinger said ahead of the conference.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

Humbaba had the worst case of irritable bowel syndrome known to medical science.

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda

Related Words

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