the worst

noun
UK: /ðə wɜːst/
US: /ðə wɜːrst/

  1. The most bad thing that can happen or exist.

    1. The worst is over, and now things will improve a little bit. [ ] [ ]
    2. Missing the train was bad, but the worst part was losing my wallet in the process. [ ] [ ]
the worst adjective

  1. Describes something that is the poorest quality, lowest standard, or most unpleasant.

    1. This is the worst coffee I have ever tasted in my life. [ ] [ ]
    2. Dealing with the constant noise was the worst part of living in that apartment building. [ ] [ ]

  2. To the greatest degree; in the most unfavorable or unskilled manner.

    1. She sang the song the worst of all the contestants in the singing contest. [ ] [ ]
    2. He handled the situation the worst way possible, escalating the conflict needlessly. [ ] [ ]
the worst adverb

  1. In the most unfavorable way; to the greatest extent badly or poorly.

    1. She played the worst today, missing easy shots and losing points. [ ] [ ]
    2. He behaved the worst when he was tired, becoming grumpy and irritable. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The phonetic transcription of "the worst" is /ðə wɜːst/ in British English and /ðə wɜːrst/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Example usage of "the worst": "The worst is over, and now things will improve a little bit.". More examples on the page.