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>