: 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 Knowing that my data would survive a worst-case scenario was incredibly reassuring. Tony Bradley, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024 But even if that worst-case scenario isn’t likely to happen, the thought of losing any closeness can be terrible. Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 25 Oct. 2024 DeSantis said that while the Tampa Bay area was spared forecasters’ worst-case scenario of storm surge up to 15 feet, strong winds caused considerable damage and heavy rain drove severe urban and inland flooding. Denise Chow, NBC News, 13 Oct. 2024 This suggests a potential reason for using worst-case assumptions in his study. Robert Rapier, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for worst-case 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'worst-case.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of worst-case was in 1964

Dictionary Entries Near worst-case

Cite this Entry

“Worst-case.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worst-case. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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