Worst: meaning, definitions and examples

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worst

[wɜrst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a negative context

Superlative of bad: most bad.

Synonyms

abysmal, awful, dreadful, horrible, terrible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
worst	Used when referring to the least favorable condition, outcome, or person in a situation. It is often used in comparisons. This is the worst day of my life. He was the worst player on the team.
awful	Used to describe something very bad or unpleasant. It is often used in casual conversation. The weather was awful yesterday. I feel awful about what happened.
terrible	Used to describe something that is very bad or severe. It is commonly used in everyday language. I made a terrible mistake. That joke was terrible.
horrible	Used to describe something that provokes horror or disgust, very bad or unpleasant. It can be used for both situations and personal feelings. The accident was a horrible sight. He felt horrible about lying to his friend.
abysmal	Used to describe something extremely bad or appalling, emphasizing a very low standard. Commonly used in critical reviews. The service at the restaurant was abysmal. Her performance on the exam was abysmal.
dreadful	Used to describe something extremely bad, unpleasant, or causing fear. It conveys a stronger sense of repulsion or fear. The movie was absolutely dreadful. She had a dreadful headache.

Examples of usage

This is the worst movie I have ever seen.
She had the worst luck with relationships.
That was the worst decision you could have made.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

to the highest degree of badness

To the highest degree of badness or ill.

Synonyms

most badly, most inadequately, most poorly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
worst	Mentioned previously.
most poorly	Used to describe something done in the worst way, often in terms of performance or execution. Of all the projects, this one was most poorly executed. She performed most poorly on the exam compared to her classmates.
most badly	Used to describe a situation or action performed in a very poor manner. Less common in everyday speech and might sound awkward. Of all the contestants, he danced the most badly.
most inadequately	Often used to describe a lack of necessary ability, resources, or qualities, especially in formal or professional contexts. The team was most inadequately prepared for the competition. This report is most inadequately written.

Examples of usage

She sings the worst of anyone.
He behaved the worst at the party.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'worst' comes from Old English 'wyrst,' which means 'most bad.'
Its roots can be traced back to Proto-Germanic *wurstiz, showcasing its long history in the English language.
It has evolved over centuries from its use in Middle English as 'warst' to its current form.

Cultural References

Popular movies and songs often reference 'the worst' to emphasize failure or challenges, creating relatable moments for audiences.
The phrase 'worst case scenario' is widely used in various contexts to prepare for the most negative outcomes.
In sports commentary, 'worst' is often a feature of discussions surrounding athlete performances during high-stakes events.

Psychology

'The negativity bias' explains why people tend to focus on the worst experiences more than positive ones in their memories.
Studies indicate that expressing feelings about the 'worst' events can lead to greater emotional resilience over time.
This term is often referenced in cognitive behavioral therapy to help individuals reframe their negative experiences.

Literature

In literature, characters often face their 'worst fears,' serving as a plot device to drive character development and transformation.
Classic tales often juxtapose 'the worst' against heroic qualities, creating a compelling narrative of struggle and triumph.
Many poetry forms explore the concept of 'the worst' as a metaphor for despair, with authors using stark imagery to evoke emotion.

Technology

In tech speak, users might reference 'the worst bugs' as a way to describe the most critical issues in software that impact performance.
The term is often used in discussions about cybersecurity to describe the worst breaches that have led to significant data loss.
Ranking systems in gaming often highlight the 'worst' tools or strategies, guiding players towards improvement.

Translations

Translations of the word "worst" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pior

🇮🇳 सबसे बुरा

🇩🇪 schlimmste

🇮🇩 terburuk

🇺🇦 найгірший

🇵🇱 najgorszy

🇯🇵 最悪 (さいあく)

🇫🇷 pire

🇪🇸 peor

🇹🇷 en kötü

🇰🇷 최악의 (최악)

🇸🇦 الأسوأ

🇨🇿 nejhorší

🇸🇰 najhorší

🇨🇳 最坏 (zuì huài)

🇸🇮 najslabši

🇮🇸 versti

🇰🇿 ең нашар

🇬🇪 უარესი

🇦🇿 ən pis

🇲🇽 peor

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,117, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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3114 par
3115 throw
3116 tall
3117 worst
3118 trading
3119 pride
3120 recommendation
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