adj.
of the poorest quality or the lowest standard.
▸most severe or serious.
adv.
- most severely or seriously.
- least well.
n.
the worst event or circumstance.
▸the worst part or stage of something.
v.
get the better of.
Phrase
- at its
(or someone's)
worst
in the worst state possible. - at worst
(or the worst)
in the worst possible case. - do one's worst
do as much damage as one can (often expressing defiance). - get
(or have)
the worst of it
suffer the most. - if the worst comes to the worst
if the most serious or difficult situation arises.
Etymology
OE wierresta, wyrresta (adj.), wierst, wyrst (adv.), of Gmc origin; rel. to worse.