Main Entry:

¹worst

Pronunciation:

\ˈwərst\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English werste, worste, from Old English wierresta, wyrsta, superl. of the root of Old English wiersa worse

Date:

before 12th century

superlative of bad or of ill

1: most corrupt, bad, evil, or ill <his worst fault>2 a: most unfavorable, difficult, unpleasant, or painful <the worst news> <your worst enemy> b: most unsuitable, faulty, unattractive, or ill-conceived <has the worst table manners> c: least skillful or efficient <the worst person for the job>3: most wanting in quality, value, or condition <the worst results>

— the worst way

: very much <such men…need indoctrination the worst way — J. G. Cozzens> —often used with in<wanted a new bicycle in the worst way>