worst-case
adjective
: 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
That kind of improvement could help avoid a worst-case scenario the Fed has been desperate to avoid, one where expectations for high inflation trigger a vicious cycle of behavior that only worsens inflation.
—
Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
Clear and Transparent Communication When managers don't communicate clearly about what's happening and why, teams fill the gaps with worst-case assumptions.
—Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
The Senate’s failure to pass FANFSA, combined with RISAA’s passage, was a worst-case scenario come true for those fighting to preserve some semblance of Fourth Amendment rights for Americans.
—Patrick Eddington, Oc Register, 22 Jan. 2026
Whatever ultimately happens with tariffs, European leaders should plan for worst-case outcomes, said David Roche, veteran investor from Quantum Strategy.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for worst-case
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.
Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
Clear and Transparent Communication When managers don't communicate clearly about what's happening and why, teams fill the gaps with worst-case assumptions.
—Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
The Senate’s failure to pass FANFSA, combined with RISAA’s passage, was a worst-case scenario come true for those fighting to preserve some semblance of Fourth Amendment rights for Americans.
—Patrick Eddington, Oc Register, 22 Jan. 2026
Whatever ultimately happens with tariffs, European leaders should plan for worst-case outcomes, said David Roche, veteran investor from Quantum Strategy.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for worst-case
Cite this Entry
“Worst-case.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worst-case. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
