worst-case

adjective

ˈwərst-ˈkās How to pronounce worst-case (audio)
: 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
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.
Law firm Quinn Emanuel’s March memo on data-center debt was making the rounds in recent days, laying out worst-case scenarios for the hundreds of billions of dollars being borrowed and spent to fund the AI buildout. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2026 Igoe described the encounter as a worst-case scenario for everyone involved. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026 Though there was a report last week Garrett could be out up to six weeks, one source views that as a worst-case scenario. — Jonathan Jones, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026 Caution is key around this time of year because, in their worst-case scenarios, your pet could get very sick or even die. — John Shumway, CBS News, 29 Sep. 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

Rhymes for worst-case

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Browse Nearby Words

worst
worst-case
worsted
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Cite this Entry

“Worst-case.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worst-case. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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