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Meaning & use

best-case scenario

noun·Academic

Last updated

UK/ˌbest keɪs səˈnɑːriəʊ/
US/ˌbest keɪs səˈnerioʊ/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable

    The most positive or favorable thing that could possibly happen in a situation.

    Grammar: Countable: you can say a best-case scenario or the best-case scenario. Often used with in: in the best-case scenario.

    Patterns

    • in the best-case scenario
    • the best-case scenario is that...
    • a best-case scenario

    In the best-case scenario, we will finish the project by Friday.

    The best-case scenario is that the flight leaves on time and we arrive before dark.

    Even in the best-case scenario, the repairs will take a week.

  2. nouncountable

    A description or plan based on the most hopeful possible future events.

    Grammar: Used when talking about plans or predictions, often in business or academic writing.

    Patterns

    • plan for the best-case scenario
    • consider the best-case scenario

    The report outlines a best-case scenario for the company's growth.

    We should plan for the best-case scenario but prepare for the worst.

Word forms

pluralbest-case scenarios

Common combinations

in the best-case scenario
In the best-case scenario, we will sell all the tickets.
the best-case scenario is that
The best-case scenario is that the weather stays clear.
plan for the best-case scenario
It is unusual to plan for the best-case scenario, but it can help with motivation.
a best-case scenario
This is a best-case scenario, not a realistic one.

Synonyms and how they differ

ideal situation
This is a more general phrase for a perfect situation; best-case scenario is more specific to a possible outcome in a particular set of events.
best possible outcome
This is a close synonym but is slightly more formal and less common in everyday speech.

Opposites

worst-case scenario

Word family

worst-case scenario noun
The most negative or unfavorable thing that could happen.
scenario noun
A description of how a situation might develop.

Commonly confused: best-case scenario or worst-case scenario?

best-case scenario vs worst-case scenario

Worst-case scenario is the opposite: the most negative possible outcome. Be careful not to mix them up when planning.

Practice

______, we will get there by noon if there is no traffic.

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