Worst of all

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Worst of all" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce the most negative or unfavorable aspect of a situation. Example: "The weather was terrible, the food was bland, and worst of all, we missed our flight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Worst of all?

The Guardian - Opinion

Worst of all were the texters.

The New York Times

Worst of all are university presidents.

The New York Times

Worst of all, security was lamentably thin.

The New York Times - Arts

Worst of all, it is irrevocable.

The Economist

Worst of all, it is repetitive.

The New York Times - Books

Worst of all, they're closed".

The New York Times

Worst of all, the logic wasn't there.

Independent

Worst of all, they evolve quickly.

The New York Times - Tech

Worst of all, he cheats at tennis.

The New York Times - Books

Worst of all, there's no address book.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Worst of all" to clearly signal the most significant negative aspect when listing a series of problems or issues. This helps prioritize information for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "Worst of all" excessively in very informal writing or casual conversations, as it can sound overly dramatic or negative. Consider using less emphatic alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Worst of all" functions as an adverbial phrase, serving to emphasize and introduce the most negative or unfavorable aspect of a situation. It typically follows a series of less critical issues, highlighting the culminating problem. Ludwig confirms the correct usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

8%

Tech

6%

Less common in

Science

2%

Food

2%

Books

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Worst of all" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce the most negative aspect of a given situation. According to Ludwig, it's appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media, to emphasize critical issues. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in extremely informal settings to prevent sounding overly dramatic. Remember to highlight the most impactful point in a clear and structured manner using the phrase "Worst of all" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The worst part is

More informal and conversational.

The most terrible thing is

Emphasizes the severe negative effect of one aspect.

Most unfortunate of all

More formal and emphasizes the unfortunate nature.

Saddest of all

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of the negative situation.

To make matters worse

Indicates an additional negative element.

The biggest problem is

Focuses on the problem aspect rather than a general negative.

On top of everything else

Highlights a cumulative effect of negativity.

The most damaging aspect

Highlights the potential harm caused.

Above all else

Focuses on the ultimate importance of negative element.

More than anything else

More dramatic and emphatic.

FAQs

How to use "Worst of all" in a sentence?

Use "Worst of all" to introduce the most negative aspect of a situation after mentioning other negative aspects. For example: "The service was slow, the food was cold, and "worst of all", the bill was incorrect."

What can I say instead of "Worst of all"?

You can use alternatives like "most unfortunate of all", "the worst part is", or "to make matters worse" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "Worst of all" or "The worst of all"?

"Worst of all" is generally used to introduce a culminating negative point. "The worst of all" is typically used when comparing items. For example: "Of all the options, that is the worst of all."

What's the difference between "Worst of all" and "Above all"?

"Worst of all" is used to highlight the most negative aspect in a series of negative points, while "Above all" is used to emphasize the most important point, which can be positive or negative.