: 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

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In their own research note Thursday, Oxford Economics researchers wrote that in their worst-case scenario, oil could be at about $140 per barrel for two months. Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 12 Mar. 2026 In a worst-case scenario, Blackburn can provide length when needed. Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 12 Mar. 2026 No amount of willpower or motivational self-talk can quiet a mind that automatically runs through every worst-case scenario. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 10 Mar. 2026 The combination of a weak economy and high inflation is a worst-case scenario for investors because the Federal Reserve has no good tool to fix both problems at the same time. Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026 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 16 Mar. 2026.

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