Language Research

worst · adjective

/wɜːst/Full view

worst

A2 (superlative of bad) the most unpleasant, difficult or severe

Dictionary examples:

That was the worst meal I've ever eaten.

"It was the worst moment of my life," she admitted.

Learner example:

And you, what is your worst gift? (Preliminary English Test; B1; French)

worst · noun no plural

/wɜːst/

worst

B1 the most unpleasant or difficult thing, person, or situation

Dictionary example:

That was the worst I've seen him play in several years.

Learner example:

This situation was the worst I have lived [through]. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

worst of all

B2 used to emphasize the worst thing, situation, etc.

Dictionary example:

We had no food or light, but worst of all, we had no water.

Learner example:

And worst of all, her mother had been always against that relationship and had given her advice many times. (First Certificate in English; B2; Japanese)

worst · adverb

/wɜːst/

worst

B2 (superlative of badly) the most badly

Dictionary examples:

Small businesses have been worst hit by the recession.

Roads in the Tayside region were worst affected by the snow.

fear the worst

C2 to worry that something very bad will happen or that something very bad has happened

Dictionary example:

When there was no sign of the children, the rescuers feared the worst.

Learner example:

Her parents had been quar[re]lling constantly now for almost half [a] year, and she feared the worst. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Swedish)