: 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.
And in a worst-case climate scenario, humans could inject enough CO2 into the air to push that number over 1,000 ppm. Peter Brannen august 28, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2025 In light of a contract extension not coming about, things between Parsons and the Cowboys has evolved into a worst-case scenario. Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025 From human clinical studies (these are called maximum usage trials, basically putting swathes of sunscreen on to mimic worst-case exposure; something no other country uses to test sunscreen) to animal testing (the latter, which most brands don’t want to do, for good reason). Carli Whitwell, Refinery29, 22 Aug. 2025 In a worst-case scenario, the highway could be closed for several days, officials said this week. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Worst-case.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worst-case. Accessed 6 Sep. 2025.

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