: 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.
Consider best-case, worst-case and moderate scenarios to prepare for various market conditions. Stephen Nalley, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 After the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Washington became preoccupied with what Vindman calls an improbable worst-case scenario — that Moscow would make good on threats to go nuclear — and sent Ukraine insufficient arms. Neil MacFarquhar, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025 In a worst-case scenario, products haven’t been properly tested for purity or safety. Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 24 Feb. 2025 During the two-week series of worst-case scenarios, Joe and Lauren kept bringing up the lesions on Violette's liver, but their hands were tied. Staff Author, People.com, 21 Feb. 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 10 Mar. 2025.

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