at worst

phrase

: under the worst circumstances

Examples of at worst 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.
Five-time World Cup winners Brazil have the attackers for it, but their midfield and defence were at best meandering, at worst anaemic. Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 11 July 2026 Historically, Western norms during the 19th and 20th centuries held that to not eat meat is odd at best, and suspicious at worst. David Rooney, The Conversation, 10 July 2026 Because the midsummer sun will give you one heck of a shorts tan line at best, a scorcher of a burn at worst. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026 Players, coaches, and analysts all agreed that the red card was harsh at best, and inaccurately given at worst. Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for at worst

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of at worst was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“At worst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20worst. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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