worst-case

adjective

ˈwərst-ˈkās How to pronounce worst-case (audio)
: involving, projecting, or providing for the worst possible circumstances or outcome of a given situation
a worst-case scenario

Examples of worst-case in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Finance leaders need best-case and worst-case scenarios as interest rates, labor costs, demand and supply chains shift. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 For Galdiano, doing away with the infrastructure completely was a worst-case scenario. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026 Still, Bank of America outlined several reasons investors should be careful about extrapolating a worst-case scenario from the California trial. — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026 Good thing the 49ers have Jake Tonges until George Kittle is ready — which, in a worst-case scenario, looks like Week 2. — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for worst-case

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of worst-case was in 1964

Rhymes for worst-case

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Browse Nearby Words

worst
worst-case
worsted
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Cite this Entry

“Worst-case.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worst-case. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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