: 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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But theory needs to be backed by modeling—especially worst-case scenarios. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025 Certainly, Detroit will be hoping to avoid worst-case outcomes such as Alexander Burmistrov or Nolan Patrick (who battled significant injuries). Max Bultman, New York Times, 10 July 2025 Advertisement Advertisement The timing—overnight, on a holiday weekend—the intensity of the rainfall in the river watershed, and the vulnerable location combined into a worst-case scenario. Katharine Hayhoe, Time, 10 July 2025 For them, the market has priced in a worst-case scenario that ignores the company’s ability to pivot and its financial strength. Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 9 July 2025 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 19 Jul. 2025.

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