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

ChatGPT can explain the range of possibilities, which could lead to worst-case scenarios. — Teresa Maalouf, Verywell Health, 10 July 2026

The preceding image, a wooden bridge nearly entirely in shadow with the sun peeking through the trees and positioned right at the edge of the frame, is a worst-case scenario. — Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 9 July 2026

That suggests data centers are a stand-in for anger at Big Tech and AI, which some industry leaders have warned could result in mass unemployment and—in a worst-case scenario—humanity’s extinction. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 6 July 2026

Let’s also assume a worst-case scenario — that Social Security benefits would be reduced by 22% near the end of 2032. — Steve Vernon, Forbes.com, 2 July 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