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
Energy markets are weighing the likelihood of direct U.S. involvement in the conflict, as well as the potential for major supply disruptions — particularly worst-case scenarios, such as Iran blocking the highly strategic Strait of Hormuz that links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman.
—
Sam Meredith, CNBC, 18 June 2025
This Sundance Film Festival breakout used actual sea life to add all-too-realism to its worst-case vacation scenario.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 16 June 2025
For public media officials, the bill is a worst-case scenario.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 12 June 2025
Improperly configured Wi-Fi networks can pose a serious cybersecurity risk to organizations, enabling people outside the organization to log into the Wi-Fi network in a worst-case scenario.
—Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 8 June 2025
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.
Sam Meredith, CNBC, 18 June 2025
This Sundance Film Festival breakout used actual sea life to add all-too-realism to its worst-case vacation scenario.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 16 June 2025
For public media officials, the bill is a worst-case scenario.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 12 June 2025
Improperly configured Wi-Fi networks can pose a serious cybersecurity risk to organizations, enabling people outside the organization to log into the Wi-Fi network in a worst-case scenario.
—Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 8 June 2025
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 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share