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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

The worst-case scenario, many said, would be fixing up their septic system to meet current requirements, and subsequently having to pay for the sewer line installation and connection later on.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

“The company will continue its efforts to prevent the worst-case scenario through sincere dialogue until the very end,” Samsung said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

Officials modeled worst-case scenarios as the reserve cushion began to feel thin.

From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026

The likely worst-case scenario for the company would be a forced sale of Ticketmaster.

From Barron's • May 5, 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