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
In September, a judge ruled against a worst-case scenario outcome that could have forced Google to divest its Chrome browser business.
—
Samantha Subin, CNBC, 12 Jan. 2026
We are expected to weigh risk, plan for worst-case scenarios, and act with seriousness and foresight.
—Tracie Thill, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
Robbins said having that mental image ready gives the brain something else to focus on when fear starts to rise, rather than spiraling into worst-case scenarios.
—Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Recently, nonprofit service providers experienced a worst-case scenario that laid bare just how fragile the system has become.
—Kristin Brown, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for worst-case
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Samantha Subin, CNBC, 12 Jan. 2026
We are expected to weigh risk, plan for worst-case scenarios, and act with seriousness and foresight.
—Tracie Thill, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
Robbins said having that mental image ready gives the brain something else to focus on when fear starts to rise, rather than spiraling into worst-case scenarios.
—Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Recently, nonprofit service providers experienced a worst-case scenario that laid bare just how fragile the system has become.
—Kristin Brown, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
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 14 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
