: 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
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Much of the Charlotte area surpassed worst-case scenarios for snow accumulations Saturday, and temperatures are staying low enough to keep it from melting on Sunday, forecasters say. Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 1 Feb. 2026 In a worst-case scenario, large swaths of Atlanta could be unnavigable for days. Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 1 Feb. 2026 In a worst-case scenario, such vulnerabilities could have allowed attackers to intercept sensitive data or even seize control of spacecraft, including those involved in flagship Mars missions. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 30 Jan. 2026 In these cases, filing for bankruptcy begins to look less like a worst-case scenario and more like a potential lifeline. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026 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 11 Feb. 2026.

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