worst

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a noun

   Lower in quality than any other of its kind, or more serious, harmful or unpleasant than all others.

   Grammar: Superlative of bad; use the before it: the worst day.

   Patterns

   • the worst something
   • the worst of something

   That was the worst movie I have ever seen.

   It was the worst storm in fifty years.

   Skipping breakfast was the worst idea I had all week.

2. 2adverbnot comparable

   To the greatest degree of badness, or in the least satisfactory way.

   Grammar: Superlative of badly; often used with past participles: the worst affected.

   Patterns

   • worst affected
   • worst hit

   The coastal towns were worst hit by the flood.

   Of all the runners, he performed worst.

   Those who needed help most were treated worst.

3. 3nounsingular

   The most unpleasant or severe thing or part, or the lowest possible standard.

   Grammar: Used with the: expect the worst.

   Patterns

   • the worst of it
   • at worst
   • prepare for the worst

   Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

   The worst of the storm has passed.

   At worst, we will be late by ten minutes.

4. 4verbtransitiveformalold-fashioned

   To defeat someone in a fight, argument or contest.

   Grammar: Takes an object and is often in the passive: he was worsted.

   Patterns

   • worst someone

   The young challenger worsted the champion in the final round.

   She worsted her opponent in a long debate.

   The smaller army was worsted in the battle.

Word forms

Common combinations

worst case scenario

In the worst case scenario, the flight will be canceled.

at worst

At worst, you will have to repeat the course.

the worst of both worlds

This plan gives us the worst of both worlds.

worst enemy

He was his own worst enemy at the interview.

worst hit

Farmers were the worst hit by the drought.

if the worst comes to the worst

If the worst comes to the worst, we can sleep in the car.

Synonyms and how they differ

poorest

Poorest means lowest in quality but sounds softer and is used for standards, where worst can describe pain or disaster too.

most severe

Most severe is more precise and formal for illness or damage, while worst is general.

lowest

Lowest ranks things by level or position, whereas worst judges by quality or harm.

Opposites

Word family

bad adjective

the base form

worse adjective

the comparative form of bad

worsen verb

to become or make worse

worsening noun

a decline

Commonly confused: worst or worse?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “worst”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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