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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 extent of AI’s impact on the economy is still up for debate, but some are already pondering policy solutions to mitigate the worst-case scenarios.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Bank earnings are as much an art as a science, and to estimate loan-loss provisions a firm has to come up with a worst-case scenario and work backwards from there.

From MarketWatch • May 5, 2026

Inflation in the 21-nation single currency area jumped to 2.6 percent in March, above the ECB's two-percent target, and the bank has warned it could surge far higher in a worst-case scenario.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

This was not a fair fight, and the best-case scenario was nowhere near as probable as the worst-case scenario.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore

Related Words

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