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

“With this kind of personal-information leak, once it’s gone, it’s gone. Maybe nothing bad will ever happen, but once it’s been downloaded or emailed one time, you don’t know what the ripple effects are and you have to assume the worst-case scenario.”

From MarketWatch

“With this kind of personal-information leak, once it’s gone, it’s gone. Maybe nothing bad will ever happen, but once it’s been downloaded or emailed one time, you don’t know what the ripple effects are and you have to assume the worst-case scenario.”

From MarketWatch

Here’s why this is important: A major purpose of arms control is to put boundaries on the threat—to keep each side from spinning and acting upon “worst-case scenarios” of how many nukes the other side might build and, therefore, how many nukes it needs to build in response.

From Slate

What happens in the worst-case scenario if for whatever reason we can’t get to the bus stop?

From Slate

“Our worst-case scenario was far, far exceeded,” Malone said.

From Literature

Related Words

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