adj
worst
wurst
adj
1
Most bad; lowest in quality or most severe.
"That was the worst movie I've seen all year."
"This is the worst traffic jam of the winter so far."
noun
1
The most bad person, thing, or situation.
"Prepare for the worst, hope for the best."
verb
1
To defeat or get the better of someone.
"The champion was worsted in the final round."
How to Use Worst
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe superlative of "bad" — the most bad of all.
Common mistake
Don't mix up with "worse" (comparative): "worse than the last one" vs "the worst one ever."
Easily confused with
Common pairings
worst-case scenario
at worst
if worst comes to worst
Word Forms
worsted past tense, worsts plural, Worsts plural, worsts singular
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That was the _____ movie I've seen all year.
Etymology
From Old English wierrest, the superlative form paired irregularly with "bad" and "worse," much like "good," "better," "best."