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
Likely, Taiwan will now have to assume worst-case scenarios and spend some time investigating what happened.
—
Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 3 Jan. 2026
Much of the concern, however, assumes a worst-case scenario that might not be warranted.
—Steve Liesman, CNBC, 2 Jan. 2026
Turning off water before leaving home prevents these worst-case scenarios.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 20 Dec. 2025
Instead of having an eight-point lead and being guaranteed of at least overtime in a worst-case scenario, Vero Beach punted with 12 seconds left and the game still on the line.
—Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 18 Dec. 2025
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Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 3 Jan. 2026
Much of the concern, however, assumes a worst-case scenario that might not be warranted.
—Steve Liesman, CNBC, 2 Jan. 2026
Turning off water before leaving home prevents these worst-case scenarios.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 20 Dec. 2025
Instead of having an eight-point lead and being guaranteed of at least overtime in a worst-case scenario, Vero Beach punted with 12 seconds left and the game still on the line.
—Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 18 Dec. 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 11 Jan. 2026.
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