worst nightmare

noun

: the thing someone fears most
Losing a child is every parent's worst nightmare.

Examples of worst nightmare 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 Gary Bettman and NBC’s worst nightmare. Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 18 Feb. 2026 Interestingly, the trailer for The Dinosaurs opens with what would have been that little fishy’s worst nightmare. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 5 Feb. 2026 The recent lawsuit filed against the Fertility Center of Orlando is every hopeful parent’s worst nightmare. Robert Travieso, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026 Carefree, positive, nothing-to-lose United were their worst nightmare. Tim Spiers, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for worst nightmare

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Worst nightmare.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worst%20nightmare. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster