: 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
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It's designed for worst-case scenarios during liftoff. Briana Alvarado, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026 Unlike pessimism, which helps humans survive by imagining worst-case scenarios, optimism can more effectively solve problems in the modern world, says behavioral scientist and psychologist Deepika Chopra. Brittney Melton, NPR, 31 Mar. 2026 The question isn’t how to design for best-case users, but how to make systems hold up under worst-case pressure. Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026 Analysts at major investment banks now forecast a structural undersupply regime persisting through 2027, with prices potentially testing $120–$130 in a worst-case scenario involving further escalation or Saudi retaliation. Michael Khouw, CNBC, 30 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 5 Apr. 2026.

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