worst-case

adjective

ˈwərst-ˈkās 

: 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

Unfortunately, that was the only good injury news the Giants received as their worst-case week continued. — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 24 Sep. 2026

On Monday, head coach Ben Johnson said Williams appears to have escaped a worst-case scenario. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026

The topic has gained urgency in both countries, with American tech leaders saying that averting worst-case scenarios for rogue AI depends on a degree of cooperation with China. — ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026

These predictions run the gamut, ranging from breakout performances and major trophies to worst-case injury scenarios and disastrous starts. — Janson Duench, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for worst-case

• abase
• airspace
• apace
• backspace
• biface
• birthplace
• blackface
• boldface
• bookcase
• braincase
• briefcase
• carcase