First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1worst
adjective \ˈwərst\
: worse than all others
: least skillful, talented, or successful
: least appropriate, useful, or helpful
1
: most corrupt, bad, evil, or ill <his worst fault>
2
a : most unfavorable, difficult, unpleasant, or painful <the worst news> <your worst enemy> b : most unsuitable, faulty, unattractive, or ill-conceived <has the worst table manners> c : least skillful or efficient <the worst person for the job>
3
: most wanting in quality, value, or condition <the worst results>
— the worst way
: very much <such men … need indoctrination the worst way — J. G. Cozzens> —often used with in <wanted a new bicycle in the worst way>
See worst defined for English-language learners
See worst defined for kids
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Origin of WORST
Middle English werste, worste, from Old English wierresta, wyrsta, superl. of the root of Old English wiersa worse
2worst
adverb
: in the worst way : in a way that is worse than all others
1
: to the extreme degree of badness or inferiority <the worst dressed person>
2
: to the greatest or highest degree <groups who need the subsidies worst lose out — T. W. Arnold>
See worst defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of WORST
before 12th century
3worst
noun
the worst : the worst person or thing : the worst group of people or things : the worst part of something
: someone's or something's least effective or pleasant condition : someone's or something's worst condition
plural worst
Full Definition of WORST
: one that is worst
— at worst
: under the worst circumstances
See worst defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of WORST
13th century
4worst
verb
WORST Defined for Kids
1worst
adjective \ˈwərst\
1
: most bad, ill, or evil
2
: most unfavorable, difficult, or unpleasant <This is the worst day of my life.>
3
: least appropriate or acceptable <You came at the worst time.>
4
: least skillful <the worst player>
5
: most troubled <That is the worst part of the city.>
2worst
adverb
: in the worst way possible <He was hurt worst.>
3worst
noun
Definition of WORST for Kids
: a person or thing that is worst <What's the worst that can happen?>
4worst
verb
worst·edworst·ing
Definition of WORST for Kids
: to get the better of : defeat
Medical Dictionary
worst
Learn More About WORST
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