: 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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When Dale comes by with Boss and the crew, they get poisoned, too, only saved from another worst-case scenario thanks to their beeping H2S detectors. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 30 Nov. 2025 In its proposal, BP estimates that a worst-case scenario for Kaskida would result in a spill of about 45,000 barrels of oil per day for 90 days — a total of about 170 million gallons. Kylie Williams, Miami Herald, 29 Nov. 2025 Delevingne recommends everyone — especially women — take a self-defense class, and shares that she's equipped herself to be prepared for worst-case scenarios by learning martial arts. Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 26 Nov. 2025 Implementing a table seating arrangement for a holiday gathering can either set the stage for an organized and harmonious event or, worst-case scenario, ruffle some feathers. Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 16 Nov. 2025 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 12 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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