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
The modern system of succession was designed to anticipate worst-case scenarios—but only in fragments.
—
Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
At the time, White House and Pentagon officials insisted that the assessment — particularly the longer end timeframe, which some consider a worst-case scenario — was not being seriously considered.
—Charbel Mallo, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
Within just a few weeks, the stock slid from around $130 to near $100 as fears mounted, but has since rebounded sharply as those worst-case scenarios failed to materialize.
—Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026
If anxiety starts narrating worst-case scenarios, step away from the noise and look at the facts.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for worst-case
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Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
At the time, White House and Pentagon officials insisted that the assessment — particularly the longer end timeframe, which some consider a worst-case scenario — was not being seriously considered.
—Charbel Mallo, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
Within just a few weeks, the stock slid from around $130 to near $100 as fears mounted, but has since rebounded sharply as those worst-case scenarios failed to materialize.
—Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026
If anxiety starts narrating worst-case scenarios, step away from the noise and look at the facts.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 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 1 May. 2026.
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