at worst case

USAGE SUMMARY

"at worst case" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the most unfavorable, undesirable, or extreme circumstance. For example: "At worst case, if the budget isn't approved, we won't be able to move forward with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

So why would I want to quit today when, at worst case scenario, I'm only going to lose $.75 today.

Yale University

A design of experiment was done with corner wafers at worst case conditions for topography and interface clean.

Microelectronics Reliability

All analysis, sizing and optimization have been performed using the WiCkeDTM tool at worst case operating conditions.

Microelectronics Journal

Circuit simulations are used to verify the full operation and SEU-immunity of the data cell design, even at worst case conditions.

Microelectronics Journal

The bias during irradiation showed to have a strong impact as well on the TID response, proving that exposure at worst case bias conditions largely overestimates the degradation a device may experience during its lifetime.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

The thinking is that, at worst case, there'll be a niche audience there somewhere.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

But taking a hard look at worst-case scenarios is what every careers analyst will tell you to do.

The Guardian - Money

A member of the Finance Committee's staff called the plan a compromise between offering immediate aid to the elderly and an insurance plan aimed at worst-case outcomes.

The New York Times

Typically, L ≪ N and (18) can be solved with fast optimization solvers based on interior point methods [24], at worst-case complexity O L L 3. 5 ).

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

ATS is composed of protein, carbohydrate, endotoxin and hemoglobin at worst-case levels as detected in patient-used flexible endoscopes [ 16, 17].

BMC Infectious Diseases

According to the authors, this exceeds the particle mass which is found in ambient air by about two orders of magnitudes and those which can be found at "worst-case" conditions at workplaces by about one order of magnitude.

Critical Reviews in Toxicology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at worst case", ensure the context clearly establishes the potential negative outcomes being considered. This helps the reader understand the severity of the situation being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "at worst case" interchangeably with phrases like "at best" or "in the best-case scenario". While similar in structure, they convey opposite meanings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at worst case" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying a condition or outcome. As Ludwig AI suggests, it presents a boundary or limit to a potential negative result.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at worst case" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate the most unfavorable scenario. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. While not as frequent as some alternatives, its use is correct and contributes a specific nuance to discussions of potential negative outcomes. When communicating, ensure the context is apparent so the severity of any given situation using the phrase "at worst case" is clear to the reader. Consider related phrases like "in the worst-case scenario" for more formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the worst-case scenario

This alternative is more explicit and formal, using "scenario" to emphasize the hypothetical nature of the situation.

in a worst-case situation

This alternative replaces "case" with "situation", offering a slight variation in wording while maintaining the same meaning.

at the very worst

This alternative stresses the absolute limit of negativity with "very worst".

if the worst happens

This alternative uses a more conditional phrasing, focusing on the potential realization of the negative outcome.

in the unlikeliest event

This alternative emphasizes the improbability of the negative outcome, suggesting it's unlikely to occur.

should the absolute worst occur

This alternative is a formal and emphatic way to refer to the most negative outcome.

at rock bottom

This alternative is an idiom indicating the lowest possible point or state.

if all else fails

This alternative implies that other solutions have been attempted without success.

at the lowest ebb

This alternative is a more figurative way to express a state of decline or negativity.

in extremis

This alternative is a Latin phrase meaning "in extreme circumstances," suggesting a dire situation.

FAQs

How can I use "at worst case" in a sentence?

Use "at worst case" to describe the most unfavorable outcome that could reasonably occur. For example, "At worst case, the project could be delayed by six months."

What's a more formal alternative to "at worst case"?

A more formal alternative is "in the worst-case scenario", which is commonly used in business and academic writing.

Is it correct to say "at worse case" instead of "at worst case"?

No, the correct phrase is "at worst case". "Worst" functions as an adjective describing the "case", indicating the most unfavorable situation.

What is the difference between "at worst" and "at worst case"?

"At worst" is a general expression indicating the most unfavorable outcome. "At worst case" is more specific, referring to the most unfavorable outcome within a defined scenario or situation. They're similar, but "at worst case" adds context.