View synonyms for

worst-case

[ wurst-keys ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

of the worst possibility; being the worst result that could be expected under the circumstances:
a worst-case scenario.

worst case

noun

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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Word History and Origins

Origin of worst-case¹

First recorded in 1960–65

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Over the past 12 months, $11 billion has been spent on similar hefty purchases, as billionaires and blue-collar workers alike worry about the worst-case scenario, per The Times.

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All that being said, here’s the very worst-case scenario for what could happen next with measles, according to Steier’s calculations.

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Again, those are worst-case scenarios.

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In the short term, Veuger said, the worst-case scenario is that the U.S. gets another stock market plunge, investment falls off the cliff, and we enter “the most unnecessary recession in living memory.”

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Campanelli said he has yet to see any tariff-related budget cuts from his clients, who are hard at work planning best- and worst-case scenarios.

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Related Words

worst worsted

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