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Definitions

worst case

[wurst-keys] / ˈwɜrstˌkeɪs /
ADJECTIVE
utmost
Synonyms
STRONGEST
absolute all-out sheer ultimate unconditional
STRONG
chief entire final full last outside top total uttermost whole
WEAK
complete exhaustive farthest furthermost greatest highest last straw maximal most distant out of bounds outermost paramount plenary preeminent remotest supreme the most thorough thoroughgoing too much too-too topmost ultra undiminished unlimited unmitigated unqualified unreserved
Antonyms
STRONGEST
limited
STRONG
beginning first introductory middle starting unimportant
WEAK
moderate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"It turns out it's not the worst case scenario."

From Science Daily • May 2, 2026

“The worst case is a zombie agreement that would hurt us in attracting investment.”

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

Despite the team's best World Cup performance in 23 years, the management of player contracts left some Scotland players with what they described as "probably the worst case of mental health" they had ever experienced.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

So I’d start right at my top number, and I know I might go down to 7% in the worst case, but I’m trying to get that 10% all day.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Then, in the worst case of bad timing imaginable, a Scoreboard alert flashed on my display, just a few seconds after I began to play through the final screen.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline