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

Here is a look at best-case and worst-case scenarios.

From The Wall Street Journal

But in a worst-case, albeit remote, scenario, the federal government can amplify rather than absorb shocks.

From The Wall Street Journal

GM last year managed to avoid some of the worst-case tariff scenarios.

From The Wall Street Journal

That, at a minimum, would “avoid the worst-case scenario of widespread damage to energy infrastructure.”

From MarketWatch

For the central bank, a worst-case scenario is that the Iran conflict drags on for months.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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